The Nordic countries played a minor role in the historic development of world glassmaking. It is astonishing that these nations, with some 20 million inhabitants, produced more Post-War glass designers of international consequence than the rest of the Western World combined. The talk examines the factors behind the emergence of Scandinavian glassmaking from a disparate group of strong-minded, egocentric individuals and the varied designs that resulted from their work. Andy’s recent tour of the Scandinavia’s leading glassworks in Sweden, Denmark and Finland further informs these lectures.

Wine has sustained humanity for almost 10,000 years. While causing wars and riots, it’s also helped broker peace and more commonly served as an aphrodisiac. Wine has been personified in the form of Gods and been a catalyst in civilised entertaining and dining rituals. Bottom’s Up! traces the story of wine throughout the ages. It also examines the extraordinary art and artefacts created throughout history to enhance the pleasure of wine.  The talk visits the ancient world, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and 18th century Britain, culminating today when more wine is being consumed than ever.

Japan has an extraordinary appreciation for art – with exhibitions drawing some of the world’s highest visitor numbers. Since the 20th century, government funding for acquisitions has continued to drop making private collections and corporate art museums ever more important. These include the extraordinary passion project at the Itchiku Kubota Kimono Museum, the refined tastes of gambling tycoon Kazuo Okada and the innovation and renewal of Naoshima’s Benesse Art Site.

Explore the origins and development of the nineteenth-century Indian Renaissance in theatre, architecture, literature, poetry and painting. We start with the arts and architecture of the vibrant city of Calcutta, the capital of British India. Then go on to explore the life and work of Calcutta’s most famous artist: the poet, writer, composer and painter Rabindranath Tagore.

The Maharajahs and Maharanis of India were semi-independent rulers, responsible for governing territories outside the direct control of the British Empire; seen by the British public, as powerful symbols of ‘exotic India’. This lecture draws on an extensive collection of portraits and photographs of Indian Maharanis – some of the earliest images of Indian women as powerful, dignified and educated. This lecture brings these beautiful portraits to life with insights into the lives and memoirs of the Maharanis themselves, and a view of the role they played in the British Empire.

Explores the work of an artist whose, inventiveness, and ability to catch the zeitgeist is still admired a century after her bold 'Bizarre' wares were launched in 1927. These Art Deco masterpieces are the products that most vividly signify Clarice Cliff's legacy. Cliff's talents were recognised when a teenager, and she went on to set the bar for ceramics as a commercial art form. 

Portraits provide a fascinating insight into the changing styles of dress over the centuries. Follow the different fashions as revealed in paintings, looking at dress and accessories, and some of the more ridiculous styles of fashion from the 16th century to the 19th century – with a focus on fashion in England. When Sumptuary Laws prescribed what you could wear, according to your status in society, fashion was a reflection of social standing.  Whilst working folk might have longed for a wardrobe of reds, purples and golds, their ‘superiors’ may have envied them their ability to move freely in their clothes without restrictions. Explore the wildest extremes of fashion through the ages.

The legendary Paris circus, from its beginning as the Cirque Fernando in 1875 (it was renamed Cirque Medrano in 1897) until its closure in 1963 was an integral part of Parisian cultural life. It attracted writers, painters and poets who created many works inspired by the Circus. Performers have been immortalised on canvas by Renoir, Degas, Lautrec, Seurat, Picasso and Leger among others. An intriguing look at the history of a circus through the eyes of the painters of the Montmartre.

Join ArtsNational Newcastle members and guests at an end-of-year celebration lunch.  We are celebrating many things:  our new name; another successful year of lectures; our sponsorship of the Reg Russom Memorial Drawing Prize and its 2024 recipient, TAFE student Laura Baker; the awarding of Young Arts Grants to four local arts organisations supporting youth in the arts; and our upcoming partnership with Tamburlaine wines.  

Entertainment will include local comedian Anne-Marie Hall.  There will be door prizes, the opportunity to join as a 2025 member (all memberships received by 31 November go into a draw for a bottle of champagne) and great company with lots of laughter and conversation and a chance to meet the 2025 committee. 

A realist painter of modern urban life, John Brack emerged as an artist during the 1950s and took as his principal subject the people and life of Melbourne.  He became one of Australia’s most challenging and important artists of the 20th century.  

Constantinople and Istanbul, two names for one city. One city straddling Europe and Asia: Byzantine imperial capital for 1000 years then capital city of the Ottoman Turks.

Minarets and domes of Turkish mosques dominate the skyline, the waters of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus lap its shores, and a stroll through the streets reveals the city's diverse and magnificent heritage.

Byzantine churches with colourful mosaics, Ottoman mosques with beautiful tilework, the luxurious palaces of the sultans, elegant fountains, bathhouses and bustling covered markets make Istanbul one of the most fascinating cities in the world.

There will be two lectures From Constantine to Conquest: The Byzantine City and The Ottoman City with a break for morning tea.

Babylon: the very name is evocative. Once one of the greatest cities in the ancient world, a vanished metropolis which lay deserted for over 2000 years, its history is bound up with myth and legend but it has never been forgotten. Biblical accounts of the Tower of Babel, Daniel in the Lions’ Den, Belshazzar’s Feast, the Fall of Babylon, the Whore of Babylon, and classical references to the great walls and Hanging Gardens have inspired artists throughout the centuries. This lecture also looks at the real Babylon, beside the River Euphrates, as explored and excavated since the 19th Century.