In February 2015 a study day was given, at the Glebe Hotel, Barford, by Anne Howarth, entitled ‘Spain, a history of Art, Power and Passion – A Memory of Al Andalus’. This was chosen to link with our short break to Andalucia, and gave us a good deal of information about many of the places we later visited. It also covered the history, geography, art and architecture of the area.
In November 2014, at the same hotel, Ann Clements presented a most illuminating day to us on ‘ Three Scandinavian Painters – Splendour and Surprises’- featuring the painters Anders Zorn, Karl Larsson and Wilhelm Hammershoi. It was a most enlightening day, prompting several questions from the audience, and giving people an insight into a somewhat hitherto little known genre of painting.
In November 2013 our study day was given by Anne Howarth, and was entitled ‘3000 Years of Chinese Civilisation’. It covered art, history and culture from the Quin Shi Huang Di dynasty (259 – 210 BC) to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). It was a most interesting and informative day which we enjoyed very much.
Monthly Archives: July 2015
Study – John Singer Sargent- November 2015
John Singer Sargent – November 2015
On 20th November 2015, we held a very successful study day (Day of Special Interest) at the Glebe Hotel , Barford, on the work of John Singer Sargent, entitled – ” Fizz and Crackle – Imagination, Innovation and Curiosity on the work of John Singer Sargent.”
Mary Alexander was our lecturer for the day, and gave us a most informative, entertaining and visually enjoyable three lectures about this prolific artist.
Day – 12 August 2015 – Capesthorne and Gawsworth
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Wednesday 12 August 2015
Capesthorne Hall and Gawsworth
Two historic houses near Macclesfield in Cheshire proved to be another successful visit last August. We started at Capesthorne Hall, an 18th century mansion originally designed by Smith of Warwick and set in beautiful grounds, where we had a very interesting and informative tour of the house followed by lunch. We then moved on to Gawsworth Hall, the Tudor-built home of Mr and Mrs Richards, who told us about the history of the house and showed us the beautiful little family chapel with its windows made by William Morris. Once again the sun shone and there was time to visit the gardens and tea room.
Both of these privately owned houses showed us how the families had managed to keep and maintain the historic aspects of their homes in the present and also to take on new commercial activities to assist in the upkeep.
Day – 13th May 2015 – Chavenage
Wednesday, 13th May 2015 – Chavenage and Berkeley Castle.
Last May we visited these two spectacular places in Gloucestershire.
At Chevanage we were entertained by members of the Lowesley-Williams family who told us about the history of the house as well as tales relating to the use of the house as Trewith Manor in the BBC TV drama production of Winston Graham’s ‘Poldark’. After a delicious lunch we moved on to Berkeley Castle. This ancient castle has a complex history and is where King Edward II was imprisoned and murdered. There was also an opportunity to visit the butterfly farm and sit in the sun, having a cup of tea before the journey home.
