By Stephanie Huddleston, to Museum Spotlight Europe (February 2020)
Tea has been much loved in the west for well over three hundred years, but it’s history is far longer! Originally believed to be discovered in China, the world’s love of tea has been passionate ever since. Highly prized for centuries, tea has been traded, fought over and enjoyed by many. Many great conversations have been shared and inspiration found over a cup of tea. Tea has also played its part in several museums. Whether they’re museum’s wholly focused on tea and it’s production, or museum’s once owned by tea moguls, the museums we’ll be highlighting today are well worth a visit (or two!)
The Horniman Museum and Gardens
The Horniman Museum and Gardens were originally a part of the estate and grounds of Fredrick John Horniman, a tea trader in Victorian England times. Horniman travelled the world with his tea, trading and collecting natural artifacts and other interesting objects. His collection was well known, and travellers often approached him with additions for him to add into the collection.
His collection was so vast that in the nineteenth century Horniman’s house was dominated by his artifacts and he needed to relocate because of his vast collection. In 1890 Horniman first began sharing his collection with the public. By 1898 the museum had grown so popular Mr. Horniman decided to build a larger, more suitable building in which his collections could be displayed publicly to greater effect. Horniman wished to ‘bring the world to Forest Hill’ through his museum, and we’re sure glad he did!
The museum has remained open since the 1890s and continues to offer wonderful exhibitions to the public. Today, it is a favorite museum of both adults and children alike. Aside from the wonderful exhibits inside the main museum building the Horniman has plenty to offer within the grounds.
Animal walks includes an exhibit with a range of live animals. An aquarium and butterfly house are must sees, as well as the stunning gardens throughout the property. Bring a picnic and enjoy your lunch on the lawn, or take a stroll through the extensive 16 acres of gardens. Highlights include the medicinal garden, highlighting plants used for the treatment of different ailments. You should ensure when in the garden to stop by the historical bandstand, built in 1903. Take a moment to enjoy the view from the band stand, it’s phenomenal! Offering a unique vista of London, there’s a reason the bandstand is the hub for many of the outdoor events the Horniman hosts.
The Horniman offers the wonderful experience to handle many original artifacts. The museum places a high value on engagement and learning through touch. In many cases this means throughout the displays there are amazing artifacts which you are encouraged to handle.
This museum is perfect for families! If you have kids they will love being able to play music in the music of the world section, and explore real life artifacts. The museum hosts regular community events such as markets, education sessions and live music events. This museum is jam packed with plenty to do and see for you and the whole family. It’s a testament to Frederick Horniman and his desire to share the amazing things he had learned about the world in which we live.
Aside from the exhibits, this museum is worth visiting for the architecture. A favorite is the glass conservatory in the gardens, its soaring glass and wrought iron are spectacular year round. Inside the museum, the exhibits are housed beautifully, with a modern approach operating within the sensitivities of the historical nature of the building itself. The result is a visually stunning and engaging experience throughout your whole visit. Don’t miss this one!
Twinings Tea Museum and Cafe
For a museum more directly celebrating tea, you can’t miss the Twinings Strand 216 store. The museum is located in central London and its existence is owed to Thomas Twining, who was greatly passionate about tea.
The store where the museum is housed is over three hundred years old, purchased by Thomas Twining in 1706. Thomas Twinings Golden Lion Tea Shop first opened its doors in 1717 making this store the oldest continuously running tea shop in the world! The store today houses a number of displays that celebrate the English love of tea and its history. Memorabilia, and tea making equipment is all displayed with pride in the store museum.
Beyond the museum you will find the tea store where you can browse the extensive range of Twinings teas and blends. Be sure to pick out a new favorite brew. Alternatively, visit the sample bar in the store or even take a tea masterclass with a Twinings expert.
The tea masterclass allows you to have a private session with a Twinings expert who will explain the history and production story behind the Twinings brand. More than that, the team will also discuss how to pair tea perfectly with your food, to enhance your tea drinking experience long after you’ve left the store.
If you’re visiting this museum on a holiday, the Twinings Museum and Cafe makes the perfect place to pick up a souvenir for yourself or a fellow tea lover. While British tea is iconic, the historical significance of the Twining brand sets it a cut above the rest. If you’re purchasing loose leaf tea to bring back home, be sure to check the customs regulations of your home country. If in doubt, declare! The tea is well packaged and sealed so you generally shouldn’t have any trouble getting it home. Otherwise, there’s a broad range of tea ware that is available in store. Pretty cups and lovely tea pots will be sure to bring a smile to any tea lovers face.
The central location of the store makes it easy to get to via public transport or on foot, directly opposite the royal courts of justice in London. The wonderful blend of modern and historical in this building makes this a truly unique visit. Be sure to stock up on your favorite blends, or even find some new ones here!
Both the Horniman and Twinings museums owe their existence to the men behind them, and the tea that they championed. Each can be admired and appreciated for the contribution they, and tea, have made in the structure of our society and the experiences we have access to. I hope that when you go to one of these museums, you will lift a cup of tea to both Thomas Twinings and Frederick Horniman.
Leave a Reply