Cathy's Art Diary

Interesting symposium organised by the Sam Fogg Gallery and held at the Royal Institution on the artistic links between the Islamic world and Europe. The symposium compliments an exhibition currently in their gallery and brought together some excellent speakers on the topic. Federica Gigante, from the Khalili Research Centre at the University of Oxford talked about how slaves from the wars with the Ottoman Empire, who were used to row pirate galleys by the Italians, were allowed to manufacture and sell goods in the 'off' season in the Renaissance period. Operating in Western Italy their presence partly explains the more ordinary Ottoman goods in Italy which would not have come via trade routes. I know a lot about this period but had never come across and found it rather mind blowing! Susana Calvo Capilla , a professor at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, discussed the political implications of the term Mudejar style in 19th century Spain and now.   I have to admit t...

Interesting evening at the Royal Institution organised by the Art Fund to launch an appeal to raise money to conserve the paintings by Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant in Berwick Church. The evening consisted of Deborah Gage interviewing Julian Fellowes about his childhood in Sussex and what the art of the area meant to him. This was followed by a lovely presentation looking at how the pictures were commissioned and talking you through the iconography using quotes from letters and accompanied by lovely pieces sung by baritone, Michael Bunting. It brought the pictures to life but I felt was a bit heavy on the symbolism given that the artists were not religious.   This event had two added bonus’s, firstly that is was held in the iconic lecture theatre at the Royal Institution and secondly that there was a nice drinks reception afterwards and a chance to meet up with friends and fellow Bloomsbury nuts.