Previous Posts: February 2018
Me on the telly (ctd.)
February 5 2018
Picture: BG
The BBC have run a repeat of mine and my wife's programme on Bonnie Prince Charlie's lost portrait by Allan Ramsay. That means it's back on the iPlayer for a few weeks. Watch it here if you like!
'Britain's Lost Masterpieces' (ctd.)
February 5 2018
Picture: BBC
We're starting to film series three of Britain's Lost Masterpieces this week (we've been re-commissioned, I can't remember if I told you this already?) It will be on later this year.
As ever, I'm deeply indebted to the staff of those institutions who have agreed to take part; I'm always amazed by how welcoming everyone is - from registrars to directors - when I ring up and say, 'can I please come and look in your stores, er, tomorrow?'
More news on all this soon!
Renaming Picasso
February 5 2018
Picture: via The Guardian
A nightclub owner in London has decided to re-name the subject of his Picasso, to 'Annabelle', and people can't decide if this is a good thing or a bad thing. AHN is struggling to be interested, but we valiantly report these stories so that the PR agents who dream them up can justify their fees. More here.
Charles I exhibition conference
February 5 2018
Picture: BG
A one day conference on the new Charles I exhibition at the RA will be held on April 12th 2018. Organised in partnership with the Paul Mellon Centre, the day will be at the Society of Antiquaries. Tickets are £32 (less for concessions). More here. I might see some of you there!
'The Lute in Art'
February 5 2018
Picture: National Gallery
My friend Adam Busiakiewicz is hosting a one day course at the National Gallery in London on the lute in art, on 19th April. He'll even play one for you - a bargain at £45 for the day. More here.
Art history boots (ctd.)
February 5 2018
Picture: Dr Marten
Regular readers will know that the bootmaker, Dr Marten, has a line in art history boots - William Blake and Hogarth have featured so far. But the addition of Turner to the boots has provoked discord among some, including Turner's descendants, particularly since the images in question have come from the Turner Bequest, which is housed at Tate Britain. Dalya Alberge in The Sunday Times reports that:
William Turner, who is descended from the artist’s grandparents, said: “It’s just not on. It does cheapen his works.” Jean Steward, another descendant, said she believed Turner would be shocked.
Ray Turner, also a family member, said: “You’ve got two of Turner’s masterpieces on some bovver boots, so they’re a bit of a contradiction.”
Julian Spalding, former director of museums and galleries in Glasgow, Manchester and Sheffield, said: “The Tate should have nothing to do with this. It’s nothing to do with increasing people’s understanding and enjoyment of Turner, which is the Tate’s mission and why the Tate is supported by public money.”
I'm all in favour, myself. I'm even tempted to buy a pair, if only to do my bit to help Tate break even on their image licensing operation.
If you want the full matching Turner homage set, then don't forget Louis Vuitton does the Turner handbag range (priced at up to £2,240). Louis Vuitton also used a Tate image, of Ancient Rome.
Apologies (ctd.)
February 5 2018
Sorry for the lack of posts today - more news later this evening!
