Identity, Taste and Power: Colonial Histories of Everyday Objects

What can a porcelain tea set, silver sugar spoon and mahogany table tell us about lifestyles in 18th-century Britain?

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By special arrangement

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Collections Tours guided

Join Collections Assistant Marcia O’Connor for a talk exploring the colonial histories of everyday objects. Visitors are encouraged to consider relationships between the violence and injustice perpetrated by the British Empire overseas and the projection of civility and gentility that arises when taking tea ‘at home’.

This tour can be booked by arrangement for private groups. Please go to Group visits to enquire.

“Wonderful and vital presentation [...] I'm extremely grateful for the critical lens on the history on display.”

Sam, Visitor, 2025

“Really interesting to hear not just a description of the objects, but the stories that link mundane things such as a Mahogany table, a teacup and a satirical engraving of the time.”

Verena, Visitor, 2025

“Marcia was clear and knowledgeable, holding our attention with her information, coupled with infectious passion about her subject.”

Bernard & Janine, Visitors, 2024

“Huge thanks for a very insightful, thought-provoking tour. Well-paced, encouraged focus & thought, sensitively delivered.”

Jen, Visitor, 2024

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