Association of Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Societies

Friday 2 March 2018 - Christopher Bradley B.Eng (Hons) FRGSThe Magnificence of Persia - the Art of Isfahan, Shiraz and Ancient Persepolis The greatest site from the pre-Islamic period is at Persepolis, whose bas-reliefs are a unique blend of styles from all over the Achaemenid Empire, including Egypt, Greece and India. Many Persian art forms predate the Arab conquest, but as their peak was reached within the Islamic era, religious influences are rarely completely absent. Calligraphy, geometrical patterns and Islamic architecture combined to reach unparalleled heights in the 17th century. Throughout many centuries of occupation, it has been the respected poets who have kept the traditions of the Persian language and religion alive, particularly Sufism

Friday 13 April 2018 - Robin Haig The Ballet RussesIn 1909, a group of Russian dancers, choreographers, composers and painters burst upon the jaded dance scene in Paris, appearing at the Theatre de Chatelet before a delighted and ecstatic audience. Diaghilev, the Director of the Ballet Russes believed in a total theatre concept and changed history in not just dance but in music, scenic design and choreography. The likes of Stravinsky became world famous and over the period of 20 yrs artists such as Picasso collaborated in an unprecedented experiment of total theatre.

Friday 11 May 2018 - Anne Sebba BA (Hons) Les ParisiennesLes Parisiennes is a story about women’s lives during the dark years of Nazi occupation and beyond and includes British and American women caught in Paris as well as native born resisters who were eventually sent to camps. It also tells the story of couturiers and jewelers, some of whom flourished in wartime, as well as actors, singers, night club dancers and housewives.The lecture opens with a magnificent circus ball held by Elsie de Wolfe at the magnificent Villa Trianon, a chateau in the grounds of the Palace of Versailles.

Friday 8 June 2018 - Adrian Boddy M App Sc, B Arch, ARAIAThe Aesthetics of Traditional Japanese Architecture and DesignTraditional Japanese building materials such as fabric, timber, stone, clay, metal, fibre and fabric inform the lecture’s structure… Architecture’s elements and precedents: paths, gateways, garden walls, framed pavilions, platforms, screens and their associated subdued lighting, broad eaves and designed garden settings are then the subjects for discussion. In all cases traditional Japanese artefacts — painting, sculpture, pottery and utilitarian objects offer a wider context.

These events will take place at the Passchendaele Room, Tamworth War Memorial Town Hall unless otherwise indicated. Meet at 5.45 pm for 6.00 pm start.

ADFAS Tamworth Region2018 Lectures

To become an ADFAS Member pick up a brochure from the Capitol Theatre foyer or email: adfas.tamworth@gmail.com To purchase tickets go to www.entertainmentvenues.com.au or phone 6766 2028

Friday 13 July 2018 - Dr Alexey Makhrov PhDSummer Palaces of the TsarsThe royal estates in the environs of St Petersburg not only impress with their splendour but also give fascinating insights into the private life of the Romanovs. During the 18th century inhospitable terrain was transformed into idyllic locations. Peter the Great, his daughter Elisabeth, Catherine the Great and their successors spared no expense in building and decorating palaces, villas and gardens. During the Second World War most of the estates were heavily damaged but have since been lovingly restored. The lecture gives an account of their past and present.

Friday 10 August 2018 - Linda Smith MAGreat Tarts in Art: High Culture and the Oldest ProfessionA mixture of art-historical analysis and scandalous anecdote, this lecture takes a generally light-hearted look at changing attitudes to sexual morality down the ages, by examining the portraits and careers of some of history’s most notorious mistresses and courtesans.

Friday 7 September 2018 -John EricsonInn Insignia: The Artwork and Stories behind Peculiar Pub SignsPubs and their signs are a fundamental part of our history and cultural heritage. In this colourful and entertaining lecture John shows some of the most interesting and distinctive signs before exploring the fascinating stories behind the origin of some of their peculiar names. Who could fail to be intrigued by ‘The Bucket of Blood’, the ‘Cow and Snuffers’ or even the ‘Eager Poet’ – and who on earth was ‘Blind Jack’?

Friday 12 October 2018 -Martin Ellis MA (Hons) AGMS, FRSAColour and Brilliance: Women Stained Glass artists of the Arts and Crafts MovementIn the early years of the 20th century a new generation of young women artists emerged triumphantly into the art world. Like their Australian cousins, they were trained in the newly established public and municipal schools of art. Following the tenets of the Arts & Crafts Movement, many found a natural home in the field of stained glass. They were an extraordinary generation: fiercely independent, champions of women’s rights and gender politics, suffragists and challengers of the political establishment, they also created some of the most beautiful windows of the 20th century, bringing a richness and sensitivity to the art.

Friday 16 November 2018 - Gary WilsonDuyfken - the First European Ship to visit Australia in 1606 - historic voyages and voyages in the replicaDuyfken - the first European ship to visit Australia in 1606 - historic voyages and voyages in the replica. In 1606, Willem Janszoon in the jacht Duyfken made the first European contact with the continent that was to become Australia. This remarkable voyage, not well known despite its historical significance, lead to many more Dutch voyages to “New Holland” and pre-dates the much more widely known 1770 Cook voyage by 164 years.

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www.adfas.org.au7776