Carolyn McDowall
Heartbreak and Happiness – Being a Bibliophile
Heartbreak and happiness is part of the story of being a bibliophile. In a way surrounding myself with books has been part of my looking to value myself and to conserve my health and wellbeing for a very long time. They have also aided my life’s journey and over the years practically helped me plan many adventures, both at home and overseas.
Da Vinci’s Painting Show at London – Mysteries Revealed
An exhibition at the National Gallery of London until February 5, 2012 concentrates on work produced during the period of his life spent in Milan when Ludovico Sforza sponsored him (1482 – 1499).
La Rotunda, Spirit of Tuscany and the Renaissance
Today I have seen a splendid villa called La Rotunda ….on a beautiful hill…maybe art has never before reached such a level of magnificence. The rediscovery of ancient texts in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries in Europe changed perceptions. A new group of accomplished architects and artisans collectively ushered in a new era in art, [...]
RSA at London – Turning Enlightened Thinking into Action
From its very beginnings in 1754 through to the current day, the RSA at London has remained relevant and at the forefront of social, economic, political and creative thinking. It has always been a catalyst for constructive, practical change, rather than change for change’s sake.
The Flowery Mead in a Medieval Garden
The flowery mead is one of the essential components in all our perceptions of a medieval garden. Fourteenth century poet Giovanni Boccaccio (b. Paris, 1313; d. Certaldo 1375) in his Decameron of 1348 painted a vivid picture of what a villa and garden of a wealthy Florentine was like. The Cocharelli manuscript from the late [...]
Medici Concerts 2012 Twentieth Anniversary Piano Series
Ann Thompson OAM, Director of Medici Concerts has worked tirelessly to offer a program celebrating twenty years of great classical music composed for great musicians
Sherlock – For Watson, Just don’t be Dead after your Fall
Sherlock Holmes side kick Dr Watson is superbly played by Martin Freeman. He is truly finding his own feet and momentum now and along with Benedict Cumberbatch as Holmes they must both give the writers a great deal of inspiration just by the sheer excellence of their performances. They are a dynamic duo par excellence.
Cathedral at Bourges
In 1195 a new cathedral was built at Bourges, which was to epitomize the great objectives of the Gothic ideal; to use light to show the greatness of God; to use geometry and mathematics to create spatial and emotional harmony, and to create the Pilgrim’s goal, heaven on earth. Twenty first man with his huge [...]
Peabody Essex Museum at Salem – Opening Windows on the World
A connoisseur, scholar and devout Buddhist, within the forbidden city Chinese Emperor Qianlong created a luxurious garden compound to serve throughout his retirement as a secluded place of contemplation, repose and entertainment. When the city was shut down following the Chinese revolution of 1911 – 1912 many of its treasures gathered dust for a century. Now, through a great deal of international cooperation and negotiation they have been conserved and sent on tour.
The Culture Concept Circle – You Tube Channel
On our You Tube Channel you will find our mini-documentaries, which provide an insight into the evolution of art, design, music, fashion and style.
What is a Ute – An Icon and Aussie Bloke’s Style Accessory
Already an Aussie Icon all we need now is for Clarke, Hammond and May to come down under and be given the funds to buy an old Aussie Ute, a quintessential Aussie Bloke’s accessory, to complete a Top Gear challenge.
Inalienable Rights of Man – Class In, Out or, Dismissed
The English class system it seems has changed from being a pyramidal shape into being a diamond shape, at least in terms of its hierarchical structure. The working class at the bottom are shrinking as are the upper class at the top. The middle class however are continuing their expansion that began hundred of years ago, well beyond expectation. So much so they now have a class structure all of their own.
Inalienable Rights of Man – Charting Freedom and Liberty
For the English of the thirteenth century the signing of the Magna Carta was a huge step forward towards protecting the inalienable rights of man
Henry Purcell’s Musical Grace
The re-founding of the traditions of the Chapels Royal after the 1660 Restoration to the throne of England of King Charles II (1630 – 1685) brought music of excellence before the public who rejoiced in the opportunity to hear sacred and secular musical entertainments on a grand scale. Composer Henry Purcell’s flair and understanding of [...]
Ragtime to Riches, Collector’s Legacy @ The Bodleian Library
At the Bodleian Library, Oxford in England is a selection showcasing rare musical works, verse and ephemera collected by a former ragtime pianist Walter Harding
Sherlock – Gattis Hallucinating The Hounds of Baskerville
‘Mr Holmes, they were the footprints of a gigantic hound’ said Henry Knight (Russell Tovey) to surely TV’s greatest dynamic duo, Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Dr Watson (Martin Freeman). Henry is the man who has literally come to see Holmes about a dog.
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