British Baroque – 13th October 2023

The Day of Special Interest was presented by Dr Amy Lim, Curator, Faringdon Collection.

The study day started by looking at “The Baroque Country House”. Many of Britain’s best-loved country houses were created in the ‘Baroque’ period (c. 1660-1720).  Dr. Lim discussed some of the most iconic houses of the period, (including Chatsworth, Petworth, and Blenheim) and the patrons who created them, and look at some of the highlights of their sumptuous interiors, gardens and collections, addressing the question: What is ‘Baroque’?

In her second lecture, “Queens, consorts and courtiers”, Dr Lim discussed female art patrons in Baroque Britain.  What was the role of women in British Baroque art?  In an era when married women’s property automatically belonged to their husbands, could women still be patrons?  Dr. Lim looked at some of the most important works of art and architecture commissioned by women and consider how they used art to carve out their position in society.

After lunch, her third lecture “Objects in focus” looked at some of the finest artworks of the British Baroque.  For example: Rubens’ ceiling paintings for the Banqueting House, Whitehall, a set of magnificent tapestries commissioned by the Duke of Devonshire for Chatsworth, and Godfrey Kneller’s Hampton Court Beauties.

“1000 Years of Coronations” – March 2023

The Day of Special Interest held on Friday 31 March 2023 had three lectures on “1000 Years of Coronations”.  It was held at The Warwickshire Country Club, Leek Wootton, CV35 8BT, and the presenter was Barbara Askew who is a historian and Blue Badge guide.

During this Study Day, Barbara talked about the evolution of the Coronation ceremony from Saxon times up to the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.  She described the stages of the coronation from the Proclamation through to the Homage and gave an account of the fascinating incidents, ill omens and memorable mishaps that have occurred at coronations over a thousand years.  The different items of Coronation Regalia were described with an explanation of their history, ceremonial significance and liturgical symbolism.  There was then an entertaining insight into the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on June 2nd 1953, the first to be witnessed by the people by the new medium of television.

It was an extremely informative day with a lot of relevance for the Coronation of King Charles III

Susan Dunnett
Days of Special Interest co-ordinator

Medicine and Art

The Day of Special Interest held on the 25^th March 2022 at The Warwickshire Country Club, Leek Wootton, Warwick was entitled “Medicine and Art”.

Dr James Grant MBE, a retired General Practitioner, gave members two lectures in the morning: the first on “Medical Gold” from Ancient Egypt to The Nobel Prize and the second on “The Art of Pandemics”:  In contrast to the altarpieces and the secular paintings of the plague and previous epidemics the Covid-19 pandemic has led to an outpouring of remarkable street art. Artists have depicted the effects of disease, the basic human need to blame someone or something for their suffering as well as producing wonderful images which have inspired great hope and consolation. Saint Sebastian to the rescue!

In the afternoon, there was a complete contrast! A prize quiz based on Dr. Grant’s collection of medical instruments and artifacts.  What is it and what would it be valued at? Absolutely fascinating but no-one managed to get all the correct answers!

The lectures and the quiz were informative and fun.  Dr. Grant was very clear and entertaining in his presentations.