Prince Albert was a man of energy and vision. In the 1840s, he saw the benefit of celebrating the world of innovation and trade. Despite opposition, he was the prime mover behind the Great Exhibition. Joseph Paxton won the open competition for a large temporary exhibition building with a design, sketched on a piece of rough paper, that was inspired by the ribs of a giant water lily.The vast Crystal Palace encompassed several elm trees in Hyde Park and housed over 14,000 exhibits from around the world. During its five-month opening period over 6 million people visited. The profits funded the construction of the Natural History and Science museums, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Royal Albert Hall. The building was a remarkable feat of construction and new railways facilitated the transportation of exhibits and visitors to London. Join our talk to view some of the extraordinary exhibits and their visitors captured in caricature.
Presented. By Lisa Etheridge
After two successful in person events organised by Carolyn Walton, TaA over Zoom returns for the Winter season.
We begin with a diverse selection of member favourites. Tricia Walsh and John White make their debut. Tricia shows her collection of contemporary wildlife paintings and John remembers journeying to see an extraordinary building in the high mountains of Asia. Andy Collier returns to tell the story of a sound installation in woodland near Liverpool. I present a stunning 15c portrait that can be seen in the National Gallery. The artist was born in Messina, an important town in my family history. To add to the fun, you will hear the sounds of bells, bowls, birds and nature
Do join us in sharing these special items
These TaAs over Zoom are closed member-only events that you can access from the comfort of your home and elsewhere. No technical expertise is required. Simply a web-browser and mobile phone, laptop or desk-top. Sign in for a chat from 1045. Talks start at 1100 and finish by 1200 or a little after
Do contact me at TalkingArt@theartssocietycotswolds.org.uk if you have any suggestions for topics and presenters.
Mark Aveline, TaA organiser
Summer and Autumn
In September, we will be holding another “Talking about Art” face to face (in person) (following on from the success of the May face to face event) so that we can easily chat together about some art over a cup of coffee (or tea). There will be no form of presentation – the idea is just to share our mutual interest in art – whether we like something or not, and maybe why. No knowledge needed!
If you have any particular work of art (including architecture, gardens etc) which you would like to share with some other members please tell Carolyn Walton - (visits@theartssocietycotswolds.co.uk; or 01993 822 297 or 07867 511 873.)
Otherwise, Carolyn will have several pictures of well-known paintings or other artefacts (and a couple of not so well known) from different ages and artists for members to share their views: whether they like them and if so why, or if not!
Please let Carolyn (visits@theartssocietycotswolds.org.uk, 01993 822 296 or 07867 511 873) know of your ideas and please book to come - use the link below, or contact Carolyn.
In May, instead of having a “Talking about Art” on Zoom, we shall be holding it face to fact (in person) so that we can easily chat together about some art over a cup of coffee (or tea). There will be no form of presentation – the idea is just to share our mutual interest in art – whether we like something or not, and maybe why. No knowledge needed!
If you have any particular work of art (including architecture, gardens etc) which you would like to share with some other members please tell Carolyn Walton - (visits@theartssocietycotswolds.co.uk; or 01993 822 297 or 07867 511 873.)
Otherwise, Carolyn will have several pictures of well-known paintings or other artefacts (and a couple of not so well known) from different ages and artists for members to share their views: whether they like them and if so why, or if not!
Please let Carolyn (visits@theartssocietycotswolds.org.uk, 01993 822 296 or 07867 511 873) know of your ideas and please book to come - use the link below, or contact Carolyn.
Details will be published here shortly
Announcement for TASC members only
Dudes, hats and dogs
The February Talking about Art celebrates the world of Dudes, stylish persons portrayed with their hats and dogs….and sometimes both. A parade of saints, sinners, rulers, aristocrats, military commanders, beach walkers and painters from 15-20c.
Do join us in this antidote to February gloom.
Presented by Anna and Mark Aveline
We will be meeting in a closed educational group of TASC members over Zoom
Image is a detail from an original artwork by Leon Danchin owned by Mark Aveline
No TaA in March
As ever, suggestions for topics and offers to contribute are most welcome.
Mark Aveline, Organiser
From my Walls
Call for contributions
In September 2023, we had the first “From my Walls”. This is the second.
You’ve visited someone’s house and they’ve said “Look what I’ve got”. Or, perhaps, you’ve noticed something new or unusual in their home or garden. “What’s that?” you might ask. During our lifetime, most of us accumulate objects by purchase, gift or inheritance and that we like - or half like - and have meaning. Many will have a personal story. Here is an opportunity to see and hear about these special objects, be they works of art, sculpture, ceramic or furniture.
Here is an example of one of mine, a Swedish cartoon by Robert Högfeldt from the 1930’s. I love the wry humour and the way the artist depicts common experiences and human frailty. Haven’t we all from time to time taken things too far and paid the price!
As of 1/12/24, we have three offers but I would like several more. If you’re not good with Zoom and slide shows, I can do all of that for you. Even come to you to help select and photograph if that would help.
Do volunteer something from your “walls”
