Discover the Artistic Evolution of Tea Towels

The National Portrait Gallery in London marked its 2023 reopening after an extensive three-year, £41.3 million refurbishment with a remarkable new entrance located on Ross Place. This entrance is accentuated by three grand bronze doors adorned with 45 panels crafted by Tracey Emin. Each bas-relief serves as a portrait representing “every woman, every age, and every culture throughout history,” according to Emin. Visitors can now bring a piece of this artistry into their homes through uniquely designed tea towels.

In collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery shop, Tracey Emin has introduced a unique collection of three tea towels, priced at £15 each. Each towel features a reproduction of one of Emin’s preparatory drawings for the notable entrance doors. These portraits were designed to contrast the traditionally male figures depicted in original gallery roundels. Emin expressed her desire for the artwork to resonate with viewers: “I aimed for people to see reflections of their loved ones—like their mothers or friends—in these figures.”

The bronze panels were cast from Emin’s drawings, making them striking and evocative for homeware. This tea towel collection is a follow-up to Emin’s prior project with the gallery shop, which included reproductions of her portraits on various tableware items. Each selected portrait captures a stoic beauty through Emin’s signature raw perspective. The figures, adorned with diadems and crowns, evoke images of strong women, mythical beings, and relatable archetypes that resonate with various facets of womanhood.

One design prominently features the word “Mum”, guiding viewers to recognize the familiar and personal connections in the artwork. With deep blue illustrations against a white background, the designs reflect the brushstrokes from Emin’s original preparatory acrylics. These organic cotton, UK-made tea towels, exclusive to the National Portrait Gallery shop, also include Emin’s signature.

For those interested in luxurious tea towels, here are ten of the most exclusive options available:

Burberry Recipe Tea Towel Set

This Burberry tea towel offers a culinary experience, featuring a hand-drawn illustration of a British classic, beef Wellington, along with a detailed ingredient list and instructions. Presented against a classic Burberry-check backdrop, this Italian-made linen/cotton towel comes with a complementary plain white towel, priced at £120.

Nicky Haslam Finds Cotton Tea Towel

Each Christmas since 2018, designer Nicky Haslam releases a tea towel with a humorous list of observations. The inaugural version includes quirky entries regarding contemporary society, presenting a light-hearted take for your kitchen. Priced at £50 and designed by Nicky Haslam Studio Ltd, it is exclusively available from Selfridges.

Rory Dobner Alice in Wonderland Linen Tea Towel

Infuse whimsy into your kitchen with this enchanting linen tea towel featuring an illustration inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, showing the Cheshire Cat in full view. Priced at £18.95.

Stamperia Bertozzi Gingham Hand-Painted Linen Tea Towels

Combine style with tradition through these vibrant blue and green checked tea towels from Stamperia Bertozzi, designed using techniques passed down through generations since 1920. These hand-painted linens are priced at £70.

Yves Delorme Royal Tea Towel

Crafted by the esteemed French linen brand known for its exquisite craftsmanship, this tea towel showcases a stunning spectacle akin to fireworks at Versailles, rendered in golden hues across organic cotton fabric. Price: £45.

Fortnum & Mason Lobster Cotton Tea Towel

This intriguing tea towel features a lobster inspired by a 1938 design, offering an extravagant touch to your kitchen with its whimsical approach at £15.95.

Les Toiles du Soleil Tom Multicolour Tea Towels

This vibrant set of three tea towels from Les Toiles du Soleil, crafted on historic looms in France, delivers durability with a slice of French charm at a price of £43.