EIGHTEENTH SEASON 2023
Please note the changes of time for our Open Meetings.
During the dark Winter months we have arranged for the meetings to be held in the AFTERNOON in Westerham Hall as usual, 2 o'clock for 2.30 with a Wine and Tea Bar
Membership remains at £40 per person
"A Portrait of Jewels" - a Fascinating Detective Story
Wednesday 13th December 2023 N.B. Afternoon 2 for 2.30
Andrew Prince returns to entertain and inform us with his journey following missing treasures through Art. His interest was aroused when he saw paintings of the Tudor and Stuart Monarchs in the National Portrait Gallery.
Raffle to Win a Christmas Hamper!
JOIN or re-new your membership at this Meeting
Andrew Prince returns to entertain and inform us with his journey following missing treasures through Art. His interest was aroused when he saw paintings of the Tudor and Stuart Monarchs in the National Portrait Gallery.
Raffle to Win a Christmas Hamper!
JOIN or re-new your membership at this Meeting
NINETEENTH SEASON - 2024
MUSIC MATTERS - why do we like/dislike certain pieces of music?
,Wednesday 3rd January - Tea/Wine Bar 1.45 - Talk at 2.20pm Diane Simpson is a Personality Profiler who will talk about how Music can be made to influence our thinking and decision making, based on fascinating research results and a lot of amazing music
WHISTLER vs RUSKIN - Flinging a Pot of Paint in the Public's Face!!
Wednesday 7th February - 1.45 for 2.30
Alan Read returns to tell us how the extraordinary trial in 1878 between Artist and Critic, became one of the first great public debates in Britain about Modern Art. This lecture looks at the issues and personalities involved in this famous court-room drama, how their animosity divided the art world and the extent to which it can be argued that the outcome of the trial ruined both Whistler and Ruskin.
Alan Read returns to tell us how the extraordinary trial in 1878 between Artist and Critic, became one of the first great public debates in Britain about Modern Art. This lecture looks at the issues and personalities involved in this famous court-room drama, how their animosity divided the art world and the extent to which it can be argued that the outcome of the trial ruined both Whistler and Ruskin.
"Travels in Rajasthan with Rudyard Kipling"
Wednesday 6th March 1,45 for 2.30pm As a young reporter for the Lahore Gazette, Kipling travelled through Rajasthan in 1888. Lizzie Merry will recount how he produced some magical and evocative descriptions of what he saw there
"Exploring the Body - Antony Gormley and the New Face of Tradition
Wednesday 3rd April - 2 for 2.30 Frank Woodgate will talk about the astonishing and thought provoking work of Antony Gormley, who makes fascinating and challenging sculptures based on his own and other people’s bodies. Many of his works are life-size and made of lead or other metal, and can often be found in unusual locations such as the Australian desert, in the sea off the Liverpool coast or on the rooftops of London.
The Five Coronations of the Royal School of Needlework
Wednesday 8th May in the Evening - 7.15 for 8pm
Susan Kay-Williams C.E.O of the R.S.N at Hampton Court, will regale us with their preparations for the Coronation of King Charles 3rd and the earlier garments and robes created for his Forebears.
Susan Kay-Williams C.E.O of the R.S.N at Hampton Court, will regale us with their preparations for the Coronation of King Charles 3rd and the earlier garments and robes created for his Forebears.
The Magic of Bronze"
Wednesday 5th June 7.15 for 8pm Peta Motture More highly prized than silver or gold Bronze was, u. equally valued in the Renaissance; used to make Bells it had a voice that regulated spirituality, cast to make Cannons it played a role in conquest and defence. However it was the most luxurious medium used for the creation of Sculpture; this talk will reveal hidden meanings through works created by Benvenuto Cellini and surprisingly, even Michelangelo.
NO MEETINGS IN JULY AND AUGUST
Painted People - Humanity in 21 Tattoos
Wednesday 4th September 7.15 for 8pm Dr Matt Lodder is a Senior Lecturer in Art History and Theory, at the University of Essex. What do tattoos tell us about humanity?
Matt has a passion for inking, and his research primarily concerns the application of art-historical methods to the history of Western tattooing from the 17th century to the present day, with a principal focus on the professional era from the 1880s onwards.
Matt has a passion for inking, and his research primarily concerns the application of art-historical methods to the history of Western tattooing from the 17th century to the present day, with a principal focus on the professional era from the 1880s onwards.
"Working with the Ghosts of Hampton Court Palace" [change of lecture 13/11/23]
Wednesday 2nd October in the Afternoon 1.45 for 2.30
Sarah Slater is an Official Guide at Hampton Court Palace, and she will tell us about wandering the galleries on her own, late at night! An exploration of the history, stories and sightings of the ghosts.
Sarah Slater is an Official Guide at Hampton Court Palace, and she will tell us about wandering the galleries on her own, late at night! An exploration of the history, stories and sightings of the ghosts.
Wednesday 6th November - 1.45 for 2.30pm Ever since Westerners first visited they have been fascinated by geisha. Lesley Downer lived among the geisha for six months - persuading them to talk frankly about their hidden world. She will tell about their history, their lives and even how a western woman might discover her "hidden geisha"!!
From the Battlefield to the Big Screen
Wednesday 11th December -1.45 for 2.30pm Audie Murphy was an American soldier, actor, and songwriter. He was one of the most decorated American combat soldiers of World War II. He received every military combat award for valor available from the United States Army, as well as French and Belgian awards for heroism. Melody Foreman has discovered the true grit behind the glamour of British and Hollywood stars who served in the 1939 - 1945 conflict - including Laurence Olivier, Dirk Bogarde and Vivienne Leigh. Who knew that these huge Stars had such a colourful War Service?
