Englemere Decorative & Fine Arts Society

Lecture Programme, 2009 – 10

14th April 2009

The Magnificence of Ancient Persia

Christopher Bradley graduated and worked as a Civil Engineer in Saudi Arabia. He then spent 10 years working as a tour group leader and continues to do so as well as being a lecturer, published author, travel photographer and television documentary film-maker.

The ancient monuments of Persia are a unique blend of styles from Egypt, Greece and India. In the 17^th century Persian Islamic Art reached unparalleled heights, especially at Isfahan (at that time one of the largest cities in the world), which still delights today.

12th May 2009

Art Deco and its Influence on Design

Peter Darty is a founder member of NADFAS and has been a lecturer in Art History since 1965.

Art Deco takes its name from the Decorative Arts Exhibition which was held in Paris in 1925. There are many influences that contribute to Art Deco and some of the striking creations produced in this style include furniture, architecture, interiors, silver, glass, ceramics, painting, fashion and jewellery. These will all be combined in the lecture that will examine this exciting period

9th June 2009

Francis Bacon, Ben Nicholson, Graham Sutherland and The Revival of Post Second World War Painting. Nicholas Watkins

During the post-war decade the above artists overcame the British inferiority complex, and general apathy, if not downright hostility, to modern art. They forged international reputations but the contrasts in their styles - and life-styles – illustrates their vast differences in approach. This lecture examines the main themes, influences and impact of their talented generation.

14th July 2009

Gourmet Art? Cheers! Dr Libby Horner

Dr Libby Horner is a freelance writer, curator, researcher, lecturer and film producer and will give us a light hearted romp through the food and drink depicted in art over the ages, exploring the associated symbolism and offering glimpses of the contemporary society and the artists who created the works.

8th September 2009

Andrea Mantegna: the Thinking Man’s Painter. Mrs Shirley Smith

The year 2006 was the 500^th anniversary of the death of the Italian artist, Andrea Mantegna. He was respected but also thought to be argumentative, pompous, even disagreeable and many found his portraits less than flattering. This lecture will look at the art of this master within the context of the period within which he lived.

13th October2009

Houses and Gardens of the Bordeaux Region. Mrs Helen McCabe

The lecturer will predominantly discuss a wide range of architecture: medieval castles, 17^th C chateaux, handsome 18thC townhouses as well as the wine chateaux and even quirky seaside villas on the Atlantic coast. The architecture reflects the culture of Aquitaine, a region whose past is inextricably linked with our own. To show just how sophisticated beautiful French gardens can be, she will also look briefly at three gardens in the area.

10th November 2009

Now You See It, Now You Don’t – the Art of Deception. Mr Bertie Pearce

This is an in-depth look at the profound mystery of perception. In the same way as a magic trick surprises and delights us there is a primal enjoyment in being deceived by optical illusions. The lecturer will show us how these have appeared in art over the centuries from early examples of

trompe l’oeil and Anamorphic art to the Op Art of the 1960’s.

13th January 2010

The Golden Age of Venetia Painting. Mrs Charlotte Clements

Venetian painting, sculpture and architecture reflects the city’s unique status and position at the crossroads of East/West trade. This lecture takes us through the fascinating period when artists such as Bellini, Giorgione and Titian were commissioned by rich patrons and (1505) Leonardo da Vinci and Durer visited and were impressed with all they saw. A highly influential period.

This lecture is in conjunction with St George’s School Art Department.

9th February 2010

The Impact of Handel and his Music on 300 years of British Culture. Peter Medhurst

is well known in the UK and abroad as a musician and scholar, giving recitals and giving illustrated lectures on music and the arts. He studied singing and early keyboard instruments at the Royal College of Music and at the Mozarteum in Salzburg .

9th March 2010

The Howards of Arundel Castle and Castle Howard. William Forrester

William Forrester is a lecturer for the National Portrait Gallery, British Museum and National Trust. He is a registered guide for London, City of London, the Houses of Parliament, Somerset House, etc.

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