Four Heroes

Wars and fighting and armaments and heroes don’t much interest me. But I’ve found a book that stands as an extraordinary link between four great military figures: Odysseus of Ithaca, Lawrence of Arabia, the First Earl Wavell and the Second Earl Wavell. Unimpressed as I am with heroism, I find these connections strangely moving. … More Four Heroes

Fictile Ivory

A newly-acquired Mystery Object has taken my researches to new heights or depths of obscurity and unfashionableness. A small oval lidless vessel with intriguing low-relief figures and inscriptions, cold to the touch, hard and brittle, yet not ceramic. Nothing about this object rings any bells with me. Welcome to the forgotten world of Fictile Ivory. … More Fictile Ivory

Mosaic, Part 2

Our Courtauld Institute Art History summer school party is here in Ravenna, visiting eight jaw-dropping buildings from the 5th and 6th centuries on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Seven feature stunning mosaics. Plus some extra buildings and three museums. It’s going to be an intensive three days. Here we go… … More Mosaic, Part 2

Mosaic, Part 1

Until a few weeks ago, my knowledge of the Dark Ages was not merely Dark, it was Blank. But then The Dark Ages burst into unbelievably brilliant sparkling gorgeous colour. Join me in Ravenna, on a Courtauld Institute Art History study tour. The course title: Ravenna: Capital of the Mosaic. … More Mosaic, Part 1

Seventeen Fifty-Seven

I have become temporarily immersed in the year 1757. However, cursory research suggests that 1757 wasn’t particularly distinguished for world-changing historical events. So why should I pick that year as my focus of attention? Because of a new addition to my ceramics collection: a large pottery bowl purchased recently in a local auction. … More Seventeen Fifty-Seven

Flemish Primitives?

There are thirteen of us, from across the world, assembled closely together for three days of deep emotional and intellectual immersion. Ooohh, what’s this about? Is it a murder mystery? Is it about a cult? Is it a reality TV show? No, no, it’s much more serious. It’s an Art History study tour. … More Flemish Primitives?