Wander into any cemetery you will find many gravestones especially in the Victorian era that feature more than just words but sometimes fascinating decorative schemes. Deciphering the meaning behind these symbols can be an instructive exercise - so if you see a broken column it usually indicates a life cut short and the ivy is a sign of […]
Every now and again a temporary art exhibitions will achieve fame for its impact on the world of art. Exhibitions have evolved from from juried salons to “blockbuster” extravaganzas, to themed group exhibitions. New curatorial presentations changed the way people viewed and assessed art which then encouraged artistic innovation. This lecture looks at some of […]
Frank Lloyd Wright (June 8, 1867 – April 9, 1959) remains one of the most influential architects the world has ever seen. In a seven decade long career he designed over 1,000 structures. He believed designing in "harmony with humanity and its environment, a philosophy he called organic architecture. He was forthright, his ideas resonate continue to resonate […]
As one of the oldest art forms, monumental sculpture has been presented in spectacular outdoor settings since antiquity. The princely estates of Renaissance and Baroque Europe were populated with marble nymphs and classical deities. Major art museums throughout the world feature large-scale sculpture in their gardens and courtyards. But the idea of a park or […]
Sir Arthur Ernest Streeton (8 April 1867 – 1 September 1943) was one of Australia's most important landscape painters and a leading member of the Heidelberg School of Australian Impression. He also served as an Official War Artist in World War I. The NGV is presenting a major exhibition on Streeton starting in April so […]
Milan is an extraordinary city - a city with an incredible historical pedigree. It is an industrial and a design centre, and it is fashion capital and it celebrates for the arts and so much more... As Giorgio Armani said "Milan is a true metropolis: strong and fearless but welcoming, too. Little by little, I […]
Enjoy an armchair illustrated visit to the glorious city of Venice. As Lord Byron wrote - “She looks a sea Cybele, fresh from ocean rising with her tiara of proud towers. At airy distance, with majestic motion, A ruler of the waters and their powers. And such she was; her daughters had their dowers. From […]
The Kingdom of Denmark boasts a magnificent array of castles, manor houses and palaces. This illustrated lecture will reveal some of the finest examples including: Frederiksborg, Kronborg, Rosenborg, Christiansborg Palace (The Danish Parliament Building and former Royal Palace) and the Amalienborg Palace (main residence of the Royal Family). Experience these and many other fine regal […]
Genoa was once the capital of one of the most powerful maritime republics for over seven centuries, from the 11th century to 1797. It was nicknamed la Superba ("the proud one"). Genoa offers an incredible cityscape with fine buildings and monuments. This lecture will take you to on of Italy's great cities. Pictured - Palace […]
Enjoy an armchair illustrated visit to four of my favourite cities of the Veneto - Verona, Padova, Padua and Vicenza. All once part of the Venetian empire these cities offer a rich and colourful history, superb art and architectural heritage and so much more... Bring memories of past visits or be inspired to plan a […]