Study Days for 2011-2012
During Study Days members have the opportunity to look at a subject in more depth than is possible in a lecture. The group size is smaller (generally a maximum of 50), which allows for a more informal approach. Study Days typically start at 10.30 a.m. and finish at 15.00, consisting of two one-hour lectures before lunch, with a break for coffee, and one hour after lunch. Coffee and lunch are often included in the price (please check each study day details to know exactly what is included). We also have Study Afternoons, which follow on from a morning lecture and give an in-depth, two-hour study of the morning’s subject. The time is usually 13.30 to 15.30. Please check timings with the Study Day Secretary.
Next Study Day
Friday 30th March 2012
The Arts of Japan and Europe,
Fascinating Parallels & Contrasts throughout History
Marie-Therese Barrett, M.A.
A survey of Japanese arts and crafts, from the earliest pottery in the world to prints that revolutionised modern aesthetics, which offers unexpected parallels with European arts of the same periods but, above all, it reveals fascinating contrasts: wood and paper vs. stone architecture, diverging vs. converging perspective, ink vs. oil, 2-D decorative painting vs. 3-D realism, bath-house scenes vs. academic Venuses .....
The day includes digital presentations with a wealth of comparative images, a display of Japanese objects (and of Members’ treasures) and addresses the influence of society, environment and materials on Japan’s unique artistic responses in relation to our visual culture.
Session 1: Prehistoric Early Art in Japan and Europe - 7th Centuries AD: Architecture and Sculpture
Earliest pottery in the world developed in the remote Japanese islands vs. cave painting in Europe. Stone circles in both Japan and Britain. Haloes found around images of both the Buddha and Christ. Use of wood in Japanese architecture and sculpture vs. stone in Europe. Different calligraphic cultures.
Session 2: 11th to 16th Centuries: Architecture, manuscripts, landscape paintings and gardens
Japanese temples and Romanesque churches built in 11th century for fear of the end of the world. Illustrated hand scrolls vs. illuminated vellum manuscripts. Stylised landscapes in ink vs. Renaissance scientific perspectives. Zen gardens vs. Elizabethan formal designs.
Session 3: 17th to 19th centuries: Architecture, decorative arts and crafts, golden screens and popular prints, textiles and ceramics, East meets West
Imperial villa in wood and paper contemporary with Versailles. Decorative vs. realistic approaches to painting. Beauties in pleasure quarters vs. classical nudes. Urban tastes and popular art in crafts and print.
Late 19th century, East meets West in Europe and Japonisme revolutionised Western Art
Format: Study day - 10.30 - 3.30
Venue: Maritime Museum Lecture Theatre, Falmouth
Contact: Study Day Secretary or email study@fdfas.org.uk
Dowload a Booking Form: Booking Form
Thursday 19th April 2012
The Golden Age of British Glass
Charles Hajdamach
South West Area Event
Charles writes that in the 19th century British glassmakers created a kaleidoscope of shapes, colours and decorative techniques which far outstripped any other country for the sheer genius of their technical virtuosity and aesthetic sensibility.
One lecture will focus on the unique contribution of the Stourbridge factories at the end of the 19th century and their glorious creations of cameo glass. In this study day, images of the factories and working conditions, and portraits of the glassmakers and designers complete this view of one of the greatest periods of British glassmaking.
The afternoon will take the form of an Antiques Roadshow - style session to which members will be invited to bring along examples of glass from their own collections.
Venue: Buckfast Abbey
Contact: Study Day Secretary or email study@fdfas.org.uk
Thursday 15th November 2012
The Influence of the 'Grand Tour' on English Country Gardening and the English Landscape
James Bolton
South West Area Event
First Lecture: Gardens in Italy from the Emperor Hadrian to the Emperor Napoleon.
Second Lecture: The Grand Tour: The Perils and Pleasures of the Eighteenth Century traveller's Journey to Italy.
Third Lecture: The Influence of Italy on the 18th Century English Garden.
James Bolton set up his garden design business in 1992 after two years as head gardener at the Old Rectory , Farnborough. He had previously trained with the Direction des Parcs et Jardins in Paris. He lectures extensively on gardens and garden history. His book on garden ornaments, called 'Garden Mania' was published by Thames and Hudson in 2000.
Venue: Buckfast Abbey
Contact: Study Day Secretary or email study@fdfas.org.uk
Previous Study Days this year
Thursday 17th November 2011
South West Area Event
Modern English Silver
Ian Pickford
Mr. Pickford lectured on 20th and 21st Century Domestic and Ecclesiastical silver. As a freeman of the Goldsmiths' Company, an adviser to the V&A, the National Trust and the Art Fund as well as being a key member of the Antiques Road Show, there is no one better than Mr. Pickford to talk on this fascinating subject.
Members were invited to bring a piece of modern silver with them and Mr. Pickford will talk about as many as he has time for.
Format: Study day - 10.30 - 3.30
Venue: Exeter Golf & Country Club, Topsham Road, Exeter EX2 7AE
A member society of the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies