The Folklore of Houses
Mark Lewis
- Region:
- South East
- Notice Period:
- Regular (more than one month's notice)
- Type:
- Professional
- Fee:
- Paid: £60.00 £75 for groups of 100+
- Category:
- Uncategorised
- Updated:
- 12th November 2021
- Tagged:
- Folklore | Traditions | Superstitions | Architecture
An exploration of the customs and superstitious practices associated with dwellings and other buildings in Britain and Europe; foundation rituals, topping-out ceremonies and house blessings are explored. Other topics include beliefs about windows, doors, roofs, chimneys and fireplaces and the many extraordinary methods for protecting homes against witchcraft, malignant spirits, fire and theft.
Views: 1378 | Enquiries: 7About Mark Lewis
Mark is a freelance artist, designer-silversmith and retired university lecturer. He also has a passion for lighthouses and is a keen folklorist with an interest in unusual local customs and rituals. In 2013 he published a book on the folklore and popular customs of the church. Mark regularly gives illustrated talks to Probus, WIs, U3As, Luncheon Clubs, art and historical societies, etc., on silver and jewellery, art and design history, folklore, lighthouses and the history of smuggling. Some popular talks include: “London through Artists’ Eyes”, “The Colourful History of Watercolour Painting”, “The Craft of the Silversmith”, “The World of Art Deco”, “The Amazing History of Lighthouses”, “Lighthouses and the Paranormal”, “Exploring Folklore”, “The Customs and Traditions of the City of London”, “The Tidal Thames - Its Folklore and Traditions”, “The Folklore of Buildings” and “Cribs, Cards and Christingles - The Origin of Christmas Traditions and Customs”. Most talks are of 50-60 minutes duration. Mark usually talks to audiences in London, Essex and Hertfordshire, The fee is £60, (higher for large groups, 100+) plus petrol 42p per mile or second-class discounted rail travel. I am always willing to negotiate a little if funds are limited. I also give online talks on Zoom. Please contact me for my complete list of talks, further information and testimonials.
Other Talks on SpeakerNet by Mark Lewis
- Sentinels of the Sea – The Amazing History of Lighthouses
- The Craft of the Silversmith
- A Social History of Cutlery
- A Mark of Quality - The History and Practice of Hallmarking
- William Morris and the Arts and Crafts Movement
- The World of Art Nouveau
- The World of Art Deco
- London through Artists’ Eyes
- The Girl with the Windswept Hair – The Grace Darling Story
- The Customs and Traditions of the City of London
- Bellringing Customs and Traditions
- Cribs, Cards and Christingles - The Origins of Christmas Traditions and Customs
- The Tidal Thames – its Folklore and Traditions
- Cups and their Customs
- Smuggling Days and Smuggling Ways
- Tying the Knot - The Lore of English Marriage
- The Colourful History of Watercolour Painting
- The Bauhaus
- Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Landscape Painting - An Introduction
- Lighthouses and the Paranormal
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