posted 03-05-2006 05:27 AM            

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Tarnished: The Decline of Family Formality
Through May 14, 2006
Treasure Room

The rise and fall of silver tea and coffee services and the rituals surrounding them are at the center of Tarnished: The Decline of Family Formality which features 64 objects from 11 tea and coffee services created between 1814 and 1935 from the museum's collection.

In the first half of the 17th century, trade routes to the East regularly brought tea and coffee to the West. By the late 18th century, these beverages and the silver tea and coffee services that were made to serve them were part of a domestic ritual for upper- and socially mobile middle-class families. In addition to tea and coffee pots, the silver service included objects like hot water kettles, creamers, sugar bowls, sugar tongs, and tea strainers. By the mid-20th century, the rising price of silver, growing informality in the Western home, and return of women to the work force, limited the use of the formal serving of tea and coffee to special occasions. Toward the end of the 20th century, silver beverage services were used mainly for sideboard display. Ultimately, fine silver services were packed and stored out of sight, becoming tarnished...a testament to their decline

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