Enjoy teatime on a wet Portland afternoon with a classic Brown Betty teapot in Rockingham Brown from Staffordshire filled with Marco Polo, a fragrant loose tea from Mariage Frères, and napkins for four in a French print. 

During Queen Victoria's reign, tea became a symbol of Britain's greatest period of expansion and stability. Every home owned a teapot, even if it was a basic "Brown Betty". Tea was no longer a refined upper class beverage, but the basis of a whole meal. While Charleston dancers and many Victorian glamors have disappeared from the scene, the humble "Brown Betty" has remained a firm favorite. Its origins go back to the to the end of the 17th century and the birth of the ceramic teapot. In 1700 a small unglazed teapot made of red clay from the Bradwell Woods area of Stoke on Trent was a luxury item costing 12 shillings.

Brown Betty teapots are still made from the Terracotta as used by the Elder Brothers in 1695. Their method of making was 'jollying' but in later years slip casting predominates, giving a smooth finish and even thickness. Succeeding generations of Englishmen can testify that the Brown Betty makes the best pot of tea in the world. The shape of the pot causes the tea leaves to be gently swirled around as the boiling water is added, thus producing an exquisite infusion. The red terracotta clay with its Rockingham glaze coddles the brew and gives the perfect cup of tea. Hand wash only.

MARCO POLO, an overwhelming success for Mariage Frères, is a mysterious blend that will take you to distant lands and unfamiliar territories. Fragrances of Chinese and Tibetan flowers lend it a uniquely velvety taste.Its extraordinary bouquet makes Marco Polo the most legendary of flavoured teas. https://www.mariagefreres.com/UK/1-marco_polo_french_tea.html 

Pick up item at Alliance Française, December 13 and 14 from 11:00am until 1:00pm.