A Matter of Taste: Ceramics and Culinary Connections

This 60 minute docent-led group adult program at the UBC Museum of Anthropology brings the amazing variety of food- and drink-related ceramics in the Koerner Ceramics Gallery together with the unique history of the European food they would have contained.

Food is one of the most significant and central aspect of culture and identity. What we eat, and how we eat is a reflection of how we perceive ourselves, especially in relationship to others. Museums collect the tangible memories of these perceptions –the objects and archival records associated with cooking and eating. However, food, by its very nature, can not be preserved - but we can see its reflection in the ceramics of the Koerner Gallery at the UBC Museum of Anthropology. Historically, it was the choice of dishes and drinking vessels, and their placement on the table, that signalled whether a dining experience was intended to be casual or formal. The diner was expected to be aware of the appropriate etiquette to use for either occasion. The Koerner collection of European ceramics is a world-class collection of over 600 pieces made between 1500 and 1900. During this program you will be introduced to the breadth of this collection and some of the different uses of the vast array of dishes, jars, plates, vessels, pourers, salts and pots. Following the tour you will have the opportunity to taste a sampling of foods of the 16th and 17th century Europe. This is a unique program that is only offered at the UBC Museum of Anthropology. This program is aimed at a general audience but will also be meaningful to those interested in the history of food, European history, nutrition’s, health, ceramics, and culinary arts. Groups of up to 30 people can be accommodated. Program is offered upon request, Tuesday through Sunday during MOA’s open hours, beginning October 2007. Please book at least two weeks in advance. $10 per adult. After the program the groups is welcome to tour the museum at no additional cost. This program can be combined with a visit to the galleries, or a guided gallery tour of the Museum.
To book this program please contact:
E-mail:
Phone 604.822.4643
Fax 604.822.2974
Special needs can be accommodated.
See also