The Great British Tea Break, Art Performance

Artists Michelle Baharier and Chris Lewis-Jones perform 'A Great British Tea Break' as part of the exhibition 'Being Present',

Bethlem Gallery, 28 April, 2023.

As part of our work together from the pandemic onwards, between 2020-2023, Chris and I explored ideas associated with being, presence, wellbeing and the Great British Tea Break. 

When you're in a Psychiatric hospital, the tea break is one of the things you look forward to the most.

We were interested in exploring the significance of class in the tea break and the catering industry. During the performance, we served tea to visitors whilst wearing costumes including hats and text-heavy overalls, referencing mental health, Lewis-Carol’s Hatter’s Tea Party, and catering jobs. 

The installation itself included my mural of a tea bush, a tea trolly and tea bags you could hang on the tea bush with sayings about what a tea break mens to you.

'Being Present' was a group exhibition and event presenting work by artists from Bethlem Gallery, London and Primary, Nottingham.

The Project was funded by Bethlem Gallery
The film was funded by Responsa Foundation