A centrepiece of the exhibition is a major collaborative art installation in the form of an afternoon tea table setting created by Ararat Embroiderers' Guild members using a myriad of textile materials and techniques.

A major feature of the exhibition is also the Guild's historic collection of tea cosies dating from the mid-19th century to the present time.

These tea cosies feature a range of textile techniques including patchwork, cross stitch, beadwork, needle weaving, ribbon work and plush work.

Some of the tea cosies are ornately decorated and feature detailed imagery, while others reveal a more subtle design aesthetic. A small selection of aprons from the late 19th century to mid 20th century are also included in the exhibition.

With 1800 members across Victoria, the Embroiderers' Guild plays a vital role in nurturing a love of textiles and is active in supporting its members to develop their creative and technical skills.

The Guild's Ararat branch is one of 11 regional Victorian branches.

Adding further diversity to this celebration of tea culture are tea-themed artworks from the Gallery's permanent collection and contemporary sculptural tea cosies by Trevor Smith and Abi Thompson - an artist concurrently tutoring at the `Grampians Texture' fibre gathering at nearby Halls Gap.

The exhibition was launched at Ararat Regional Art Gallery last night.