Design
Nonsuch Palace – Henry VIII’s Favourite Heaven, or Haven
Nonesuch Palace Henry VIII’s favourite haven was a heaven on earth according to excavations carried out by archaeologists 1959-60 of the site where it had stood
The First Emperor of China – Seeking the Mandate of Heaven
Today the first Emperor of China’s terracotta army has no battles to fight, but rather it seeks to win the war for China about culture as art. Should they be displayed in an ‘art’ gallery or in a Museum whose premise is about presenting stories of cultural development and history.
For the Love of a Rose – The Beauty of Creation
According to the French couturier Valentino, ‘roses impose a tranquility of peace upon the image of woman. Dresses and accessories with oversized roses…are something bold and yet mysterious, an evocative symbol of life, the earth, civilization and the beauty of creation’
Architectural Heritage – Integral to Cultural Development
The intellectual ideas of every period in world history have always been reflected in its architecture. It is important we consider well the consequences of the decisions we make in tearing down our living heritage, even in regard to modern buildings of great merit.
Downton Abbey Christmas Cracker – Truth and New Beginnings
What an episode the final in Series 2 of Downton Abbey turned out to be, reported our London correspondent, who was quite breathless with excitement about it all. The Christmas Special at Downton Abbey was shot full of lovely lines, many of them delivered once again by the delicious Dowager Duchess Violet, played so flawlessly and with such great verve and vigor by renowned English actress Maggie Smith.
Showcasing Opera: Taking the Music of Love & Life to People
Bless you Lyndon Terracini of Opera Australia, for standing up and leading the change needed to make opera far more accessible to those who want to enjoy the richness it will surely add to their lives.
The Bed – Sleeping Stylishly in the Chamber of Love
We spend at least one third of our lives in bed. Every culture is steeped in customs superstitions and folklore surrounding this unique piece of furniture. But what about the bedroom? When did the bed gain a room of its own? How was it decorated? Where can we begin to relate its story?
Happy New Year – Welcome 2012 as a Creative Year to Remember
It is time to cast off old thinking and embrace the new. 2012 is a great place to start formulating ideas that will help invent and innovate the future.
Reading, TV and Music Choices for Festive Season 2011/2012
Riveting reading, considered DVD watching and beautiful music listening are all great can-do activities for the festive holiday season, as are long walks each day. This is the time of year we all need to recharge not only our body batteries, but also refresh our mind, spirit and soul.
Celebrating Christmas – a Feast for the Mind, Body and Soul
Christmas became a celebrated occasion during the nineteenth century in England. Its ethos is about giving love and life, of which the tree is a powerful symbo
Apollo, from the Earth to the Moon – Imagination & Knowledge
Ardent socialist and playwright George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) lived a life of literary criticism dealing sternly with prevailing social issues, but with a lightness of touch that made stark realities palatable. He said ‘Imagination is at the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine, and at last you create what you will’. The 60′s was the age of those who dared to dream a dream and then went out and made it happen.
TED -Technology, Entertainment, Design – Ideas to Talk About
When TED2011 took place at Long Beach, California delegates were talking, playing and listening to music, enjoying comedy and dance and much much more. They were emailing, blogging, tweeting, eating and networking while enjoying caffeine-fueled conversation between the program’s many sessions.
Changing Opera Culture in Australia: Vision & Taking Action
In a progressive society change is constant and people need to embrace it, or the art forms they are seeking to keep close will not be conserved, but disappear.
French Country Style – Provence tres chic ‘indiennes’
Among the cargoes brought into the port of Marseilles in Provence during the mid seventeenth century by the Compagnie des Indes Orientales were desirable cotton prints from India. They consisted of dazzling patterns and striking colours, which captured the imagination.
French Country Style – Provence and joi de vivre
Unpretentious, warm and welcoming, the interiors of Provence today reflect the heritage of Provencal life and the Provenceur’s enjoyment of the simple pleasures of life; the sharing of good food, the local wine and the art of good conversation.
French Country Style – Provence is c’est magnifique!
Provence until the end of the 15th century was a group of states entirely separate from France. It had its own language, government and a sense of style, with deeply rooted ideas and philosophies first founded in strong traditions. They kept goats and ate fish, grew herbs in abundance, as well as olives which were introduced by the Greeks. With the fabled vitis vinifera grape vine for stock they made wine and became great consumers of wild boar as well as truffles. The oak forests of Provence would have been prime truffle territory then as now. The little slivers of this celestial fungus harbors many of the amusing stories of the region. They were often obtained by nefarious means or through a local truffle fair not listed in any tourist guide.
Asides
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