More than 100 teapots from around the world have been brought together, ranging from the doll-sized to the enormous, and some have been made purely for the exhibition. The pieces are displayed along a wide hallway space at the Southside Community Centre, marking its first exhibition for a significant period.

''The gallery has been under-utilised,'' spokeswoman Lyn Diskon said. ''We are hoping this will remind people about the space.

''A lot of the pieces are on loan from private collections.

''Some are quirky and some are works of art in their own right.''

Ms Diskon said there was a wide range of tea-making accessories, including some vibrantly coloured woollen tea cosies with flowers bursting out of the top.

The tablecloths on display include a perfectly preserved handmade, embroidered piece created by a Croatian school girl in 1939.

''The owner has said she has only ever used it maybe twice,'' Ms Diskon said.

The items were pulled together largely by the Friends of the Gallery volunteer program.

The exhibition opens with a vibrant and boldly coloured ornamental teapot, with lots of extraordinary shapes coming out of from all angles, created by artists who were clearly unafraid to push the boundaries. A sign with it says it was crafted by preschool to year 2 children at Narrabundah Early Childhood School, guided by artist in residence Lynda Davey.

The exhibition is open until Tuesday, June 12. An optional high tea will be served from 2-4pm.