A history of the outstanding and diverse Devonshire collection told chronologically through the interests, characters and tastes of its collectors over 16 generations, from Elizabethan beginnings to the current Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and their family. Each generation has left its mark on the collections, whether as connoisseurs, passionate and enthusiastic patrons and acquirers, fortuitous marriage, or the occasional benign indifference, and it is fascinating to see how these diverse personalities, linked only by family, have contributed to what is now considered one of the finest surviving family collections in Europe. This story features outstanding work by artists as varied as Raphael, Rembrandt, Reynolds, Canova, Freud and Craig-Martin, and comes right up to date with the Family's current passion for contemporary art and craft. The lecture includes Old Master drawings, fine books and archives, silver and rare jewels, portraits ancient and modern, sculpture spanning 2000 years of European culture, furniture by outstanding cabinet makers and other unique treasures.
Views: 224 | Enquiries: 0I have an art history degree, and I have been giving public lectures for 30+ years. I worked at the historic estate of Chatsworth, in Derbyshire, for 19 years, latterly as their head of communications, and give a number of talks about its art collections (ancient and modern, garden and park landscape, history and family, including a lecture on Deborah, the Mitford Duchess of Devonshire, who I knew well. I was lucky enough to lecture around the UK, in Europe and all over the USA on behalf of Chatsworth, and I now take that experience, and close knowledge of my subject, to audiences around the UK as a freelance lecturer.
I also give lectures about two very different Victorians, John Ruskin and Joseph Paxton, both fascinating and inspiring men for totally different reasons, as well as on the brilliant land-artist Julie Brook.
I am lucky to talk about subjects that I feel passionate about, and am grateful to receive feedback from audiences that my lectures are entertaining, engaging and inspiring, as well as informative and thought-provoking. My lectures are normally given with digital powerpoint images, and last an hour, though I can adapt some of my talks for after-dinner or other occasions.
As well as my lecturing, I have a private practice as a Life Coach, working one-to-one with clients, and I also work part time for arts and heritage charities helping with communications.
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