Members' Tour: Porcelain and Politics

Can porcelain shed light on historical events, political views or even encourage difficult dialogue? Senior Curator Victoria Lane will explore these themes on this exclusive Members' tour. 

Did you know? 

The history of porcelain has not always run as smooth as its surface. 

Porcelain was collected obsessively by royalty and aristocracy in 17th-18th century Europe, and this was predominantly paid for using the wealth generated by slave labour in plantation colonies. And, in the 20th century, porcelain was employed as a propaganda tool by the Third Reich regime in Germany. 

New acquisition 

We will also be looking into a new acquisition in the Queen's House: Jacqueline Bishop’s piece The Keeper of All The Secrets. The piece reworks a traditional British tea service, using collages of Caribbean market women and botanicals to explore women’s agency and the legacies of empire and enslavement. 

Please note this event is only suitable for Members who are 16+. 

Not already a Member?

Join today for a host of exclusive benefits and events, including unlimited free entry to Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory, shows at the Peter Harrison Planetarium, and special exhibitions at the National Maritime Museum.

With Membership starting from as little as £50, what are you waiting for? Membership is your time to explore!