Words by Anne Stevens, Kate Richenburg & Gillian Walkling

An in-depth study of the relevance of tea, tea chests and caddies to British societyOver 800 pictures of tea chests, caddies, canisters and other tea-related itemsTraces the exponential growth of tea's popularity from the mid-17th century to the 1900sExpertly researched and beautifully illustrated - the perfect reference work for historians, collectors and those working in the decorative arts

Tea was introduced to Britain in the 1650s. Its popularity burgeoned over the following two-and-a-half centuries, until it became a defining feature of British culture.

Drawing inspiration from China, British craftsmen worked to display their skills on numerous tea-related objects, which ritualised the process of drinking tea and imbued it with luxury status. Calling on an array of differ...