Monthly Archives: May 2019

Wednesday 2nd October 2019 – Brilliant British Humour in the Forgotten Art of the Picture Postcard 1909-1939

Brilliant Britsh Humour in the Forgotten Art of the Picture Postcard 1909-1939

Lecture_2019_James Taylor

Wednesday 2nd October 2019

James Taylor

From the Edwardian era to the outbreak of World War II, millions of artist-drawn humorous postcards were produced, not just for entertainment but to bolster morale, to inspire, instruct, motivate and persuade.

Discover the popular themes and styles of the period by the masters of the medium such as Mabel Lucie Attwell, Dudley Buxton, Donald McGill and Fred Spurgin, and the reasons why their popularity waned with the British public. 

James Taylor studied at the Universities of St Andrews and Manchester.

He is a former curator of paintings, drawings and prints, and co-ordinator of various exhibitions, at the National Maritime Museum at Greenwich and has worked as a lecturer on board cruise ships.

Publications include Maritime Painting: Images of Sail, Sea and Shore (1995); Yachts on Canvas: Artists’ Images from the Seventeenth Century to the Present Day (1998); The Voyage of the Beagle: Darwin’s Extraordinary Adventure Aboard FitzRoy’s Famous Survey Ship (2008); Careless Talk Costs Lives: Fougasse and the Art of Public Information (2010) and Your Country Needs You: the Secret History of the Propaganda Poster (2013).

Day – August 2022 – Weston Park

Wednesday 10th August 2022 – Weston Park

Weston Park

Image © Weston Park website
Trustees of the Weston Park Foundation
Used with permission

Weston Park in Shropshire is the former home of the Earls of Bradford.  The opulent 17th century Mansion, housing some wonderful fine art, is set in 1,000 acres of Capability Brown landscaped grounds.

The Mansion contains tributes to the 3rd Earl’s love of horses.  The Victorian library contains over 3,000 books and has unique Gobelin tapestries, specially commissioned for the house. The stunning dining room houses one of the country’s most impressive collections of paintings including works by renowned artists such as Sir Anthony Van Dyck.

The visit included travel by coach followed by coffee on arrival.  The day included two tours, a two course lunch, and free time to explore the house and grounds.

To end the day we had a reviving cup of tea and cake before departing home. 

Click here for Weston Park website

Day – May 2022 – Chatsworth

Wednesday 11th May 2022 – Chatsworth

Chatsworth

Image, Chatsworth © By Tookapic
Used under licence: Pexels

Chatsworth, the seat of the Duke of Devonshire, has been home to the Cavendish family since 1549. It is a beautiful grade 1 listed English Baroque house in Derbyshire.  The house is set in expansive parkland and contains an important collection of paintings, furniture, old master drawings, neoclassical sculptures, books and other artefacts.

Following our excellent study day on Chatsworth, and by popular demand, we will revisit the house.

After our coach journey, there will be time to wander round the grounds before a special treat of lunch in a private dining room.  Lunch will be a 2 course hot meal with tea or coffee.

In the afternoon we will have a full tour of the house in small groups to learn more about the wonderful treasures to be found there.

Chatsworth has been selected several times as the nation’s favourite Country House.

This event is now sold out.

Click here for Chatsworth House website