This Easter, discover the history and irresistible appeal of chocolate at the Old Royal Naval College with the launch of their new immersive exhibition, Chocolate House Greenwich. The 18th Century was hot chocolate’s heyday and visitors can now step back in time to discover its key role in the revival of Greenwich and experience a recreation of Grace and Thomas Tosier’s famous ‘royal’ Chocolate House.
From its origins in Central America to becoming the mark of sophistication for London’s Enlightenment-era movers and shakers, the journey of chocolate and its impact on Georgian Greenwich society is traced in this new exhibition. Discover the complex history of chocolate, and its surprising role at the heart of new cultural and scientific conversations at the time.
In the early 18th Century, Greenwich became a popular destination for those in search of elegant surroundings, and was a hub for astronomy, science and culture, with Sir Christopher Wren’s iconic architectural project (now the Old Royal Naval College) at its centre. The Tosier Chocolate House, located in what became known as Chocolate Row, became a social space for the leading figures of the day, run by Grace Tosier – which is recreated in the exhibition. Chocolate House Greenwich will reveal the architects, astronomers, scientists – and chocolate makers – that made Greenwich a centre of innovation in Georgian Britian.
Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in this historic Chocolate House, favoured by courtiers and ambassadors of the time. The audio and visual experience, created by Unusual Expo and actor-writer Jonathan Coote, presents the flamboyant proprieter of the original Greenwich Chocolate House Grace Tosier – who ran this social hub while her husband Thomas ran the chocolate kitchen at Hampton Court for King George I. Listen in on the great minds of the day including architect and astronomer Sir Christopher Wren, writer and diarist John Evelyn, the first Astronomer Royal John Flamsteed, and playwright and architect John Vanbrugh.
A series of events will complement the exhibition, including an Easter Trail for families, a Choc-o-Late this summer, and a series of hands-on chocolate-themed and chocolate making workshops.
