Exhibit Opening: Tea for Two

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Hillary Strobel
504.293.4720
hstrobel@longuevue.com   

Exhibit Opening: Tea for Two
See the progression of tea services over the span of time and place at Longue Vue's exhibit opening February 2, 2012

Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world with more than 3,000 varieties grown today. Tea is consumed on every continent and each culture over time has put its stamp on the vessels used to serve and drink it. Visitors to the exhibit will see this progression on display, with pieces from local collectors and the Longue Vue collection. The opening reception for Longue Vue members and guests is Thursday, February 2, 2012 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the Gallery. The Tea for Two exhibit will be open to the public Friday, February 3 through Sunday, May 13, 2012 during museum hours.

 "LVHG is pleased to present this exciting exhibit exploring the art of tea around the world," says Executive Director Joe Baker. "In addition to the variety of tea sets and utensils associated with the ritual of tea making, the exhibit will feature outstanding ceramic teapots from Newcomb Pottery, Peter Anderson of Shearwater Pottery, and George Ohr."

Tea is indigenous to the Asian continent, with almost every culture having a ceremony. The proper service was important and much attention was paid to matching the tea to an aesthetically appealing vessel. As Western trade with Asia increased 600 years ago, the British expanded the importance of drinking tea around the world, even introducing it to countries in West Africa that previously had no tradition. Tea in Asian cultures has historically been an object of connoisseurship and in Western traditions, tea preparation and drinking is a social and cultural staple.

Longue Vue's collection includes 18^th through 20^th century silver and ceramic tea services, coffee sets, and chocolate cups. Mrs. Stern's monogrammed set will be on display, as well as a tea set from Newcomb Pottery, an outstanding children's set by Peter Anderson of Shearwater Pottery, Chinese export-ware (ceramics made in Asia to appeal to a Western audience), and unusual pieces such as a c.1830-40 French tea warmer known as a Veilleuse. In a nod to the lives of Edgar and Edith Stern, visitors will see items special to their romance and learn that the name "Longue Vue" was chosen because Edgar proposed to Edith at a Hudson River tea house called Longue Vue.

On Friday, February 3, 2012, at 3:00 pm, a Tea, Talk and Tour with tea expert Marc Roberson will be held in the Playhouse at Longue Vue. After the talk, guests will enjoy an afternoon tea service in the Center Hall of the main house featuring tea, sandwiches and champagne. This is followed by a tour of the Tea for Two exhibit. Mr. Roberson is the Tea Expert at the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans.

Registration is required for the Tea, Talk, and Tour. The cost is $60 and covers the talk, tea service, champagne, and tour of the exhibit. Seating is very limited. For more information on the Tea, Talk, and Tour and to purchase tickets, contact Jen Gick at 504.293.4723 or jgick@longuevue.com. For more information on the Tea for Two exhibit and opening reception, contact Lenora Costa at 504.293.4712 or lcosta@longuevue.com.

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About Longue Vue House and Gardens
Longue Vue House and Gardens is an eight-acre Country Place Era estate comprised of a Classical Revival-style mansion surrounded by 14 different gardens, including an interactive children's garden. The former home of philanthropists Edith and Edgar Stern, Longue Vue now serves as an educational and cultural resource.  Longue Vue offers tours daily and holds events and exhibits that fulfill its mission "to preserve and use the historical and artistic legacy of Longue Vue and its creators to educate and inspire people to pursue beauty and civic responsibility in their lives." Longue Vue, a designated National Historic Landmark, is accredited by the American Association of Museums and included on the National Register of Historic Places.  For more information call 504.488.5488 or visit us at www.longuevue.com.