Little Luxuries, a series

13/1/23: The Lure of Cathay

An over view of the objects imported to Europe from Asia from the 16th century.  These beautiful objects were firstly only possessed by the wealthy and powerful. Gradually they were able to trickle down to the "middling sort" and were informed by European taste and interest.  We will look at textiles, furniture and porcelain and discuss their impact on European interiors, dress and artistic movements.

20/1/23: 18th century Parisian Shopping

The Marchand Merciers were a group of merchants who provided the wealthy aristocrats of France with luxury goods.  From small shops the merchants sold exquisite and costly objects often imported from Asia but given a distinct French taste.  We will discuss the importance of women patrons, including Madam de Pompadour and Marie Antoinette.

27/1/23: 18th century English Ceramics, From Chelsea to Wedgewood

Nicholas Sprimont (Chelsea) and Thomas Frye (Bow) furnished English interiors with ceramic tableware, sculptural groups and "toys" often with witty designs.  In Staffordshire Josiah Wedgwood experimented with clay and pigment to "astonish the world" with a variety of new techniques including the famous Jasperware and whose vases graced every well appointed mantle-shelve across the globe.

3/2/23: Visit to the V&A

The first three talks are delivered in Richmond and can be enjoyed in person or online. The final talk will take place in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and can only be joined in person.

Delivered by Hattie Bennett

Please note that once you pay you will get an automated email confirming your payment. This email will also contain one link should you wish to follow the talks online, please notify us well in advance if you did not receive the link.

Should you want to attend this lecture our venue is:

The Richmond Library Annexe, Quadrant Rd, Richmond TW9 1DH

When joining online, please make sure to log on 10 min before the start of the talks. This talk will be delivered in Zoom Meeting. This means your camera and microphone are on upon joining. You are welcome to either turn things off or join the discussion before and after the talk. Please mute yourself during the lecture.

A recording will be made of this lecture and can be bought separately at the end of the talk.