Brighton & Hove Museums has launched a new exhibition, Shadows of Empire: Taking Tea at Preston Manor.
Visitors can uncover the hidden stories behind tea through engaging puzzles, rare images, and unique artifacts, including the newly restored mechanical Edwardian dream machine. This hands-on journey explores the dark secrets of tea’s past, from theft and drug smuggling to the impacts of war.
Visitors can also discover how past inhabitants and guests of Preston Manor enjoyed their tea, often unaware of the human cost associated with it. The experience, which delves into adult themes such as addiction, is both thought-provoking and educational. The interactive exhibition concludes with a reflective moment, offering a sit-down cup of tea in the Manor’s authentic Victorian kitchen.
The exhibition is available until 27 October, on Saturdays and Sundays, with slots open between 11am – 4pm. Admission is priced at £20, which includes a souvenir guide and a cup of tea. Advance booking is required, and the exhibition is recommended for individuals aged 12 and above.
Click here to find out more about Brighton & Hove Museums.
