Our 2020-2021 Discovery Days

During Discovery Days (Study Days) members have the opportunity to look at a subject in more depth than is possible in a lecture. The group size is often smaller which can allow for a more informal approach.

Future Discovery Days

Lecture Image

15
October
2021

THE ROMANTIC SPIRIT:

Peter Medhurst

Time: 10.00 for 10.30 start (Close 3.30pm)

Synopsis:

THE ROMANTIC SPIRIT: THE EFFECT OF THE NAPOLEONIC WARS ON GERMAN CULTURE 1800-50

It was largely due to the impact of the Napoleonic wars that Germany finally established an artistic and cultural identity and became one of the leading figures in the early 19th century Romantic Movement.

Peter Medhurst explores the effects that these wars had on writers, artists and musicians, including Goethe, Friedrich, Weber & Mendelssohn.

Music discussed and listened to includes excerpts from Der Frieschütz – CM von Weber, Wenn ich ein Vöglein wär – CM von Weber, Die beiden Grenadiere – R Schumann, Bei der Wiege – F Mendelssohn, extracts from The Pastoral Symphony – L van Beethoven.

Peter Medhurst illustrates with music the impact the Napoleonic Wars had on the establishment of German artistic, literary and cultural identity.

Venue:

Organised by: The Arts Society Falmouth

Cost: £tbc

Book and Pay Online (Debit or Credit Card) via TicketTailor: Booking Form

Synopsis Download: Synopsis to Print


Previous Discovery Days this year

26
March
2021

'Gold of the Gods;' Treasures of South America and the search for El Dorado'

Chloe Sayer

Time: Special Interest Morning: 10.00 a.m. - 13.00 a.m.

Synopsis:

Gold in America South had a spiritual importance. Its brilliance evoked the Sun - the golden disk that nourished the Earth.

In Peru and Colombia, goldsmiths made some of the most spectacular treasures of the ancient world. Cast and hammered, gold was transformed into sacred offerings for tombs and temples. Europeans, by contrast, saw gold as a commodity - the ultimate symbol of wealth.

Brief Synopsis of the Morning

09.50 Zoom Webinar Opens

10.00 Session 1: South America and the Search for El Dorado

The Spanish Conquest of the Americas was driven by the search for gold and glory. Many of the golden treasures that the Spaniards found were melted down for bullion. Those that survive are works of sacred art — the technically sophisticated creations of important cultures.

11.00 Coffee Break

11.30 Session 2: Mexico: Land of Gold

The Mixtecs were one of the major civilisations of pre-Hispanic Mexico. Greatly admired by their contemporaries, they were the foremost goldsmiths of North and Central America. Carvers of bone and stone, they also painted pictorial manuscripts of great beauty. These sacred screen-fold books offer invaluable information about religious ceremonies and court life.

For a full synopsis click on the button below

12.30 Q & A

13.00 Close

Venue: Live Zoom Online Event

Organised by: The Arts Society Falmouth

Cost: £8