THE LURE OF CATHAY WITH THE SHOTTERY TEA
Friday 22 September 2023
Afternoon tea followed by talk by Hattie Bennett
The event will commence at 4 pm and conclude before 7 pm.
St Andrew’s Parish Centre, Church Lane, Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9HQ
The meeting will begin with our popular afternoon tea of sandwiches and cake, provided by the ladies of the parish, which gives the opportunity to meet up with fellow members. This will be followed by a talk by art historian, Hattie Bennett.
The arts of Asia have fascinated Europe since the first porcelain vessel arrived in Venice with Marco Polo in the 13th century. Translucent porcelain, gilded black lacquer and brightly patterned textiles provided a contrast to the earthenware vessels, wooden furniture and woven textiles of Europe. Expensive and rare, the trickle of lacquer, porcelain and textiles increased into Europe with the great Dutch and British trading companies in the 17th century. We will look at the impact of these goods on fashion and interiors and the decorative arts in Holland, England and France.
Beginning with “Porcelain Mania” which afflicted the Medici, French kings and Augustus the Strong who spent fortunes trying to produce porcelain in Europe, we will look at examples of European porcelain made in Meissen, Saxony and England.
Moving to lacquer produced in Japan and arriving to Europe in the 17th century, we will discuss the impact on French decorative arts. Indian block printed cotton proved so popular that regulation laws were enforced to protect the wool trade. Finally we will look at the Japanese print which took Paris by storm in the late 19th century, informing the art of Manet, Degas and the French Impressionists.
Hattie is a London-based art historian with a special interest in the European Decorative Arts of the 18th century, particularly the framing and hanging of paintings and prints. After working at the Print Room at Windsor Castle, Hattie worked as a curator for a private collector of English prints, then at specialist frame dealer, Arnold Wiggins & Sons. For her MA in Decorative Arts, she focused on 18th century French and English interiors. Today she deals privately in prints and drawings, and lectures.
Price per ticket including refreshments: £20 per member, £23 per non-member.
If you want to come and don’t drive, Sue will try to organise a lift for you. To consult her click HERE
To access the Booking Form click HERE