Jeanne Antoinette Marquise de Pompadour – Woman of Influence
French painter François Boucher produced many of the images we have of Jeanne Antoinette, Marquise de Pompadour, official Mistress of King Louis XV of France
Grand Tour
18th Century ‘Compleat’ Gentlemen – Rulers of Taste & Style
Pursuing a passion for art and architecture in England in the 18th Century spawned new trades and expanded enjoyment for those living a leisure filled lifestyle
Love Jewellery – Regency to Revival Pt 3
The Christian understanding of perfect love, making no demands and seeking nothing for itself is revealed in many of the people in Jane Austen’s life and novels
Love Jewellery – Restoration to Revolution Pt 2
Charles II on his Restoration to the English throne gave himself up completely to luxury adorning himself with sumptuous textiles and jewels
James Boswell & William Gordon – Enjoying The Good Life
James Boswell in 1765 visited portrait painter Pompeo Batoni at Rome to view the portrait in progress of another Scot Hon. William Gordon wearing swathed tartan
Adam in Georgian London – Investing in the Future of Style
18th century Scottish architect Robert Adam perfected his knowledge of architecture on his Grand Tour by examining and drawing outstanding monuments from antiquity in Italy