Ernest Challenge

London 1895

1. What is a morning room?

A room used for luncheons and daytime callers. "In the latter 19th century, the room became a space in which the ladies, Mrs. Harris in particular, would spend the duration of the morning doing their “work.” The work that was enacted included handcrafts such as embroidery and sewing, letter and journal writing, as well as giving daily direction to the servants. Because the “work” of the day was to take place in the morning, it was socially understood that visits to or from friends ought to be short: hence the array of uncomfortable small chairs which can be found in the room. The morning room in Eldon House faces west, which in some Victorian homes was deliberate; there was an assumption in that period that morning sunlight was harmful to the skin, and so the “morning” room’s location tended not to face east." Source 

2. What furnishings would be considered luxurious and artistic? 

"Heavy mahogany and rosewood furniture symbolized prosperity, while elaborate tapestry cushions made their debut on dining room chairs and armchairs, providing comfort and luxury. Marble fireplaces were the focal point, and guests dined beneath crystal chandeliers in dining rooms, which were often decorated with patterned wallpaper featuring greens, browns or pastel colors. Birds in gilded cages and dado rails were fashionable accessories." Source

3. What items would be needed for afternoon tea? 

"The tea ritual used the finest bone china, silver teaspoons and linens... It was called "low tea" because it was usually taken in a sitting room or drawing room where low tables (like a coffee table) were placed near sofas or chairs." Source 

"A teapot of silver or bone china is, of course, de rigueur. You'll need a kettle to boil the water before you transfer it to the teapot. Also, before pouring the boiling water into the pot you intend to serve from, be sure to warm it. You can do this by filling the table pot with hot water from the tap while the other pot is put on the stove to boil. You will also need a sugar bowl and cream jug (pitcher). Use small silver tongs for sugar cubes, and a silver sugar spoon for granulated or raw sugar crystals...your best china cups, saucers and dessert plates and silver forks, spoons and butter knives...silver platter..." Source

"...tea caddy, teapot, hot water urn, and heater, and teacups...tea strainer, china cups..." Source

4. How would they be arranged? 

The tea tray and china tea set are placed at one end of the table.

On the right, set out the necessary number of cups and saucers and teaspoons to accommodate your guests. Plates, flatware, and tea napkins are placed on the left. Platters of refreshments can include tea sandwiches in fancy shapes, various kinds of nut breads, cakes, pastries, and cookies. Source

5. What music might Algernon be playing on the Piano?

Henry Litolff Source 

Liszt Source