Storm in a Teacup: A unique exhibition at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery

The Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery is always a fantastic attraction to visit while you're on holiday in Victoria. Often, they organise exhibitions that really capture the attention of the public sphere. 

That's what they've done this time around, curating a unique exhibit that delves into Australia's history and love of tea. Nearly one-third (38 per cent) of Aussies are tea-drinkers, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Whether or not you count yourself among them, you're sure to get a cuppa something interesting by visiting the Storm in a Teacup exhibition.  

Storm in a Teacup  

From July 24 to September 27 the gallery will display the Storm in a Teacup exhibition. The collection explores both the lighter and darker side of our country's tea drinking tradition, from colourful, fun gatherings to the social and environmental impact of the brew.  

Visitors can expect paintings of afternoon tea, learning about how the beverage was part of the colonists' attempt to bring their own culture and 'civilise' Australia. As diverse in media as matter, the photographs, sculptures, ceramics and other pieces of art tell the full story of tea in Australia, not shying away from the more serious and concerning angles.  

One example is the installation by the Hotham Street Ladies. These 'bad girls of high tea', as the Sydney Morning Herald called them, created a display out of icing sugar that evokes both nostalgia for the past and a "slight critique of gentility". As a whole, it explores the role of afternoon tea as an opportunity for women to gather and overcome social barriers.

Inspiring and thought-provoking  

According to the Financial Review, Ms Garden was inspired to create this exhibition after looking at colonial tea party photographs where the participants were "enacting their understanding of what it was to be British". This cultural aspect was later complemented by another snapshot: Ms Garden saw a picture from Australian artist Darren Siwes that formed part of a series called "Mum, I Want to Be Brown".

Researching the history of tea in Australia in great detail, from the first cuppa in the hands of Captain Cook to the role it played in 'women's business' – Ms Garden inspired herself to start drinking tea again, the Financial Review added. 

Powerful collections of art mean different things to different people, and this collection is already generating conversation. There are dozens of stories that could be told about the exhibit and about tea. For instance, the Sydney Morning Herald related a tale from 1917, when Melbourne's tearoom waitresses when on strike to fight for better wages and working conditions. 

With many tearooms owned and operated by women, this move was just one significant part of a bigger story in how women used tea to make a living. As noted before, afternoon tea provided a space for social gathering and discussion. Culture, British connections, race, ritual – there are countless stories to be found in this compelling exhibition. 

No matter what you take away from this visit, you'll probably be inclined to stop by a cafe or restaurant and enjoy a steaming cup of tea for yourself.

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