Love gin? Discover the fascinating history of this beloved tipple at Leeds City Museum

It's widely known that the UK's love of gin keeps on growing, and with this so does the gin market. Today, there are hundreds of different gins available to buy, ranging from classic gin to new, extravagant flavours, and we just can't get enough of it.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Apr 2018, 14:28 BST
Updated 11th Apr 2018, 15:36 BST
One of the nation's favourite tipples, gin, will be the focus of a talk held at Leeds City MuseumOne of the nation's favourite tipples, gin, will be the focus of a talk held at Leeds City Museum
One of the nation's favourite tipples, gin, will be the focus of a talk held at Leeds City Museum

Taking place on Saturday, May 12, a talk named ‘The Jellies and Gin Shops: How to live like a Georgian’ takes place on Saturday May 12 from 11.15am until 1.45pm.

This talk will take place at Leeds City Museum and focus on how gin took Georgian Britain by storm, exploring those who lived an elegant, opulent and extravagant life during this period of time.

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This talk will be led by historian and broadcaster Dr Annie Gray, from BBC Radio 4’s The Kitchen Cabinet, and will explore food, housing, design, and dress during this particular period of time.

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During Georgian Britain, the country consumed that much gin that this period of time became known as the 'Gin Craze'During Georgian Britain, the country consumed that much gin that this period of time became known as the 'Gin Craze'
During Georgian Britain, the country consumed that much gin that this period of time became known as the 'Gin Craze'

Amongst these topics, the rise of London gin shops and traditional Georgian jellies will also be discussed at Leeds City Museum, allowing museum-goers to gain an insight into how the first half of the 18th century saw Britain be gripped by the infamous Gin Craze.

This Gin Craze actually prompted Parliament to pass five major Acts, which were designed to control the public’s consumption of gin, showing just how far back Britain’s love of gin really goes.

Those who attend the talk can also take in the renowned furniture of Otley-born Chippendale, as some of his key pieces are featured in an exhibition at Leeds City Museum.

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These pieces include a lady’s secretaire, which was originally made for the State Bedroom at Harewood House, and the spectacular Panshanger Cabinets which were supplied to the first Viscount Melbourne following his marriage to Elizabeth Millbanke.

During Georgian Britain, the country consumed that much gin that this period of time became known as the 'Gin Craze'During Georgian Britain, the country consumed that much gin that this period of time became known as the 'Gin Craze'
During Georgian Britain, the country consumed that much gin that this period of time became known as the 'Gin Craze'

The exhibition of Chippendale’s work coincides with the Georgian gin angle of the talk, as both focus on 18th century life, particular those of a higher class.

Leeds City Museum’s curator of exhibitions, Ruth Martin, explains that “The Georgian period was a time of huge social change for Britain as a whole, when class divisions became more and more pronounced a very distinctive style of design emerged”.

This talk is set to be a gin-credible experience for those who attend, as they get the chance to learn all about the history of gin and how it came to be one of the nation’s favourite tipples.

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Tickets are priced at £15 including refreshments. Booking is required and can be done by calling 0113 378 4485, emailing [email protected] or searching on Eventbrite.

For more information click here.

Related topics:GeorgianParliamentBBC Radio 4