‘Tea Time’ exhibit sets tone for Philadelphia elegance

By Sherry Coven

Upon entering Penn State’s Borland Gallery, there is no mistaking the feeling of being steeped in a gentility and refinement that can come from enjoying afternoon tea. The exhibit “Tea Time in 18th-Century Philadelphia” is a collection of furniture and tea settings from colonial Philadelphia that provides a glimpse into what was once a great tradition.

The exhibit is small, with six tables set with tea settings from six colonial periods. All pieces in the exhibit are originals — the banister-back side chair in the William and Mary setting, the Paul Revere silver teapot in the Chippendale setting, and the Gaudy Dutch cup and saucer in the Federal setting.

“The six table settings represent just about everything that would be used for serving tea in and around Philadelphia during the 18th century,” said Mary Sorenson, one of the students instrumental in putting the exhibit together. “Tea was very expensive, and it was a huge social phenomenon.”

Visitors will be able to browse the exhibit on their own, but they may also take advantage of the tours given by the knowledgeable docents. A tour by Joyce Buck made the difference between just admiring the pieces and learning something about not only the tradition of serving tea but also the details of the period furniture and tea settings.

“There’s a whole vocabulary that goes with talking about the pieces,” Buck said.

There are familiar details, such as cabriole legs, as well as more obscure details, such as bird cages, slop dishes and the gothic splat. Most of the furniture is solid walnut, with a few mahogany and tiger maple pieces, and the tea settings are pewter and silver.

Because tea was so expensive, tea caddies often had locks on them.

“In the exhibit, there are waste bowls where what was left in the bottom of a cup could be discarded. Sometimes, servants would take the leftover tea to the kitchen, where they would make a second infusion,” Sorenson said. “They often even sold it for a third infusion at the back door to those who could never afford tea.”

Sorenson thinks the tradition of afternoon tea still has a place in modern society.

“There is a rising popularity of tea blends from a variety of exotic locations ... Whether in a formal tea setting or simply enjoying a quiet cup of tea with a friend, the roots of this tradition still thrive today.”u

"Tea Time in 18th-Century Philadelphia" runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Oct. 31 in Borland Gallery, University Park. Call 865-8129 for more information.