50
The West Dorset Magazine, July 1, 2022
Culture Bridport Art Society has launched a dynamic programme of illustrated monthly talks given by nationally acclaimed experts for the new season from September. From an introduction to Art Nouveau Glass to master masonry, architecture and from art in garden-making, there is a heady and delicious array of talks spanning many genres of art. And throughout the year the committee will be organising outings and exhibitions. Bridport Art Society was formed in the early 1990s as The West Dorset Decorative and Fine Art Society which was part of the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies (NADFAS). Several years ago there was a national rebranding, and the group was renamed Bridport Art Society. The society is run by a small group of happy volunteers and meet at Bridport Town Hall on the third Thursday of the month at 2pm from September until June. New members are always welcome and the society offers people the chance to make new friends. To join the society the cost is £50 for an individual and £85 for a joint membership. Visitors are welcome at £7.50 per session. For more information go to taswestdorset.org.uk or email info@taswestdorset. org.uk September 15 Frozen Breath of the Polar Night: An
THINGS OF BEAUTY: Emile Gallé’s Marguerite Vase from 1896 and, right, Louis Comfort’s Tiffany Peacock Vase from 1893-6 (Metropolitan Museum, New York)
Art of glass set to feature in society’s monthly talks introduction to Art Nouveau Glass Speaker: Justine Hopkins The 19th century saw the beginnings of the shift of glass-working from craft to art, and Art Nouveau glass remains some of the most spectacular ever produced. This lecture explores the achievement of Émile Gallé, Louis Comfort Tiffany and René Lalique, and their outstanding contribution to one of the most important movements of the last century. October 20 A Sleuth’s Guide to Architecture: The Story of an Elizabethan Master Mason in the West Country. Speaker: John Davies 16th century masons were the forerunners of architects of today. Names of the vast majority have
been lost, but their legacy remains in their buildings. This talk traces the work of one Master Mason, William Arnold, responsible for the building of Montacute and Cranborne Manor, sharing many design features that appear other houses built in the West Country during the same period. November 17 Sadlers Wells – The Theatrical Mothership Speaker: Nigel Bates For more than three centuries Sadler’s Wells has been a place of entertainment and a part of London’s theatrical history with a reputation known across the world. We follow the unique story of The Wells which includes pony racing, naval warfare, Shakespeare with Sir John Gielgud as well as the
strongest connections with the worlds of opera and dance and the roots of today’s Royal Ballet companies. December 15 Lucien Freud: The Art of the Man Speaker: John Iddon Possibly the greatest figure painter of the second half of the 20th century, Lucian Freud also led an extraordinary life, from his family’s escape from the Hitler regime in the 1930s to his colourful and combative life in London. This talk will look at his unforgettable paintings, many of which have a penetrative scrutiny that is almost the visual equivalent of his grandfather Sigmund’s analysis of patients, as well as his relations with his models and fellow artists.
