‘Table Manners’

THEY’RE in just about every kitchen in the country, they’re so important that they have their own rituals, but how often do we take time to appreciate the marvels of the teapot?
Tullie House’s latest exhibition, ‘Table Manners’, includes a collection of 70 teapots, displayed on stilts and reflecting the challenge involved in creating a teapot that is functional, efficient and sculptural. Teapots are the ‘grand dame’ of tableware, emblems of the UK’s national drink, the centrepiece of a familiar tea-making ritual but often reserved just for special occasions. As a group, teapots provides a fascinating commentary on the history and culture of ceramics.
Table Manners brings together everyday household ceramics by 17 UK and international makers and celebrates the richness and diversity of contemporary international tableware in the most important touring exhibition of its kind in the UK for 30 years.
Complementary displays of tableware drawn from the archaeology and decorative art collections will also be shown..
Table Manners runs at the Carlisle museum until Sunday, May 21. Open 10am-5pm Monday to Saturday, 12pm-5pm Sunday. Admission free.
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