19th September 2017
GLORIOUS THINGS: DISCOVERING BYZANTIUM THROUGH ITS ART
Lecturer: Dr. Helen Rufus-Ward
The diverse richness of the decorative arts of Byzantium will be revealed. Mosaics, ivory, enamels, icons and silverware are just some of the ‘glorious things’ to be examined and discussed.
17th October 2017
THE BRONZES OF IFE AND BENIN AND AN HISTORICAL REVIEW OF THE ART AND SCULPTURE OF NIGERIA
Lecturer: Dr. Richard Thomas
Nigeria is the home of three major artistic traditions. The Nok Terracottas, the Bronzes of Ife, and the Benin Bronzes. The illustrated talk explains the art, technology, and cultural relevance.
Followed by WELCOME PARTY FOR NEW MEMBERS
21st November 2017
‘THAT PRETTY GERMAN TOY’ (Dickens) THOUGHTS ON THE HISTORY OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE
Lecturer: Peter Medhurst
How much do we know about the origins and history of the Christmas tree? Peter Medhurst delves into the past, as far back as the Book of Genesis, in order to tell the story. The talk will be illustrated with music.
Followed by drinks and mince pies
16th January 2018
FOREIGNERS IN LONDON 1520-1677. ARTISTS THAT CHANGED THE COURSE OF BRITISH ART
Lecturer: Leslie Primo
.The lecture discusses why foreign painters came to London in the first place, and what their motivation was. How did they influence the British school of Art? We assess their legacy.
20th February 2018
BEAUTIFUL BRITISH BOOKS
Lecturer: Dominic Riley
This talk tells the story of fine bindings in Britain over the past last one hundred years, followed by the new world of Design Binding after World War Two. Finally we will see examples of the best artistic book binders working today.
20th March 2018
ONE ARCHITECT, TWO TEMPLES AND THREE MUSEUMS. ADVENTURES OF CHARLES ROBERT COCKEREL
Lecturer: Dr. Stephen Kershaw
Charles Robert Cockerell had amazing adventures as a young man in nineteenth century Greece. We follow his Itinerary – excavating artworks and examining temples and their beautiful decorations. Interesting issues are raised surrounding the collection of antiquities.
17th April 2018
THE GOLDEN SECTION – DIVINE PROPORTION IN ART AND ARCHITECTURE
Lecturer: Alexandra Epps
For thousands of years the mystery of the Golden Section has inspired thinkers from all disciplines – artists, architects, musicians, and mathematicians. Discover the secrets of its sacred geometry and beauty within creations from the classical to the contemporary.
15th May 2018
FRANZ SCHUBERT: THE PIANO AND POWER OF FRIENDSHIP’
Lecturer: Dr. Graham Griffiths
Franz Schubert surrounded himself with a brilliant circle of artists, poets and musicians whose talents and kindness fed his romantic creativity. Celebrated images of Schubert will be illustrated by Dr. Griffiths – Lecturer and Concert pianist – at the keyboard via musical postcards, concluding with a performance of Impromptus.
19th June 2018
THOMAS HEATHERWICK. ‘THE LEONARDO DA VINCI OF OUR TIMES’ (Sir Terence Conran)
Lecturer: Anthea Streeter
Thomas Heatherwick’s work includes the 2012 Olympic Cauldron and new red London bus. His innovative approach is now in demand all over the world, and this lecture will highlight the broad range of his designs.
17th July 2018
NOTE: The annual AGM takes place before this lecture at 10am. Doors open at 9:30am.
‘ALL DONE ON GINGER BEER’ THE CREATION OF THE ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA, THE ROYAL BALLET AND THE NATIONAL THEATRE’ – LILIAN BAYLIS
Lecturer: Sarah Lenton
The lecture charts the achievement of Lilian Baylis and the household names of the stars of opera, ballet, stage and screen that she drew into her orbit.