Creativity
Modernism – Innovating Design Styles in the 20th Century
Modernism is a term the art and design community of our contemporary western world has adopted to describe a diverse range of architectural and interior decorative styles, as well as applied and graphic arts created between approximately 1880 and 1940 on an international scale.
Silk – Being ‘At the Bar’ is not a Barrier to Success
Written by BAFTA award winning writer Peter Moffat, Silk is a TV series about a bevvy of junior barristers working in ‘chambers’ at London where they are attempting to “take silk” and become a Queen’s Counsel. Then, and only then will they be allowed to wear the robes, made of coloured silk, that go with the position
Monet’s Garden – The Rhythm of Nature Refreshing the Heart
Monet’s garden at Giverny, renowned for the divine flowers that herald the arrival of each season, will be on show at The New York Botanical Garden from May 19, 2012
Mossgreen Auctions – Collection Thomas Hamel and Martyn Cook
On May 20 at Sydney Mossgreen Auctions will offer for sale a collection from Thomas Hamel Interiors and Martyn Cook Antiques of art antiques and decorative arts
Thomas Chippendale – Eighteenth Century English Furniture
An 18th century village master craftsman, who designed and made furniture in rural Yorkshire Thomas Chippendale (1718 – 1779) was a progressive ambitious chap
What is an Antique?
What is an Antique? An antique is something made in a previous era. However, according to antique dealers, their associations and the tax man, it is not really that simple at all.
Lasting Impressions – Paintings, Pools and Plants at Giverny
Claude Monet (1840 – 1926) celebrated the real art of gardening in the creation of his now world famous garden at Giverney, in Normandy. Monet’s painting of Spring at Giverny (1886) is a vision of the village clothed in the softest pinks. It is a first impression of a region full of magic light and charm the country that seduced and held him captive for the rest of his natural life.
First Impressions – Monet, Pisarro, Sisley & Renoir
It would be safe to say we have today gained an impression that a garden is a timeless expression of man’s relationship with nature. Just as our world is constantly changing to accommodate man’s overpopulation of it, so must our minds remain open to new ways of exploring how that relationship can, and will continue.
The Impressionists – A Painterly Pleasant French Revolution
The art of the Impressionists became popular because people from all walks of life, nationalities and cultures understood that its message was all about celebrating life
Flights of Garden Fantasy – Inspiring the Human Spirit
Growing beds of flowers is part of the delights of gardening and only one aspect of an ever evolving story that satisfies the human spirit to a profound degree.
Thomas Jefferson at Monticello – to See and be Seen
Throughout his life Thomas Jefferson was continually putting his house Monticello up or pushing it down as his knowledge and experience of life and architecture expanded.
Wine, Women and Song – A Tripartite Motto for All Time
Wine was made before history was recorded. For thousands of years it has given comfort, pleasure and evoked high spirits among man people in many different countries and cultures.
Gertrude Jekyll & Edwin Lutyens – The English House & Garden
The agricultural depression of the late nineteenth century removed land as the chief source of wealth in England. By 1901 money to pay for a country house had to be made in urban centres of trade or, in the countries that made up the British Empire. Building a house in the country made to appear as old and as venerable as the countryside itself was the ideal. Stylistically they looked back to the English vernacular tradition, which had been modified in response to the differing requirements of affluent clients. In this creative climate of possibilities architect Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944) and gardener Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932) became names well known.
Josiah Wedgwood Tradesman – Tycoon, Firing up the Modern Age
Josiah Wedgwood was a trend setting potter, manufacturing innovator and marketing genius. He fulfilled the dream, going from being an apprentice tradesman in a tough industry, to becoming a world famous tycoon. He built a business empire, founded a famous family dynasty and gained for himself a favourable reputation against all the odds and in harsh and physically demanding conditions.
Cherishing Wisdom – Treasures of the Bodleian and Humankind
The Bodleian Libraries at Oxford are safeguarding and showcasing outstanding texts and ephemera so we can all enjoy the benefits of 21st century enlightenment
Shakespeare: Staging the World – Shaping England’s Identity
From July to November 2012 the British Museum is presenting what will most likely be one of the key exhibitions of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations. Shakespeare – Staging the World will be produced in collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company. It aims to provide an innovative perspective on the bard and his plays.
Asides
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Shanghai Scenes
Explore the delights of the burgeoning Shanghai arts scene, including the visual arts music, dance and literature.
