This page is in response to the question which has intrigued Maarten who left a flickr comment on my post from yesterday. He asked about teapots and Baroque facades but it is in fact tea CUPS and not teapots that I am most interested in.

After thinking about it for a few moments I suddenly realised that there was a real reason for this juxtaposition (in addition to the fact that I am decidedly eccentric!) It is the challenge of getting the structure right and then have lots of fun with fluid flowery decorations. In terms of cups, getting those circles right is a real challenge for me, and in terms of Baroque facades it is simplifying a highly complex composition to a basic grid – a lot easier and more relaxing task (especially after all my last years on site experience!)

I did have an idea once of doing a series based on matching a type of tea with a tea cup and with a Baroque building …that would be fun…but I really don’t have the time. Tonight however I somehow got distracted and had a go at it – choice of the cup came first, then tea to match and finally a Baroque facade. There is not really any particular rhyme or reason behind this! BTW I was also listening to some wonderful Baroque music at the same time- Corelli – Concerti Grossi – most inspriational!

Tea also ties in with this theme as it is often described in the most flowery language. I will add the description below so you don’t have to read my scribbles.

T2 Monk Pear- Big, bold and sweet, yet surprisingly humble, a black tea blend with sweet jasmine blossoms, classic bergamot and crisp pear flavours. Pear is there from the outset, but the floral bergamot finish lingers for lovely effect. An almost full-bodied, heavier fruity black that takes a traditional Earl Grey and gives it a fabulously fruity twist.

Ok… that is way too much tea and Baroque for the week… except I just remembered that I have a T2 date tomorrow (ha! more tea and baroque… the chairs in there are rather Baroque-ish!)