Chiswick Arts Society: Live lectures

Chiswick Arts Society resumes live lectures

by Dia Stronach The Arts Society Chiswick returns to live lectures at POSK at 8pm on Thursday 14th October 2021.

The lecture: "Cleopatra – images of a dream women” will be given by Lucy Hughes-Hallett, prize winning author of The Pike: Gabriele d’Annunzio and Cleopatra and Heroes.

Her description of the event explains, “Cleopatra, the woman for whose love’s sake Antony is imagined to have given up the chance to rule the Roman world, has been inspiring painters, poets and (more recently) film-makers for over two millennia. Their gorgeously voluptuous depictions of her offer insights into changing concepts of beauty, and into the racial and sexual assumptions underlying them. Showing images ranging from Roman portrait busts, through medieval illuminations, the glorious works of Renaissance masters like Michelangelo, the splendour of Tiepolo and the exoticism of Gustave Moreau to 20th century film stars (Theda Bara, Claudette Colbert, Vivien Leigh, Elizabeth Taylor and the Carry On team’s Amanda Barry), I will show how Cleopatra became a screen onto which artists have projected their wildly differing fantasies about exotic danger and erotic bliss.”

Olivia Freeman, Chair at The Arts Society Chiswick, said: "I am really looking forward to welcoming our members back to live lectures. It will be so nice to see everyone again after 18 months of Zoom lectures."

On this occasion it will be for members only, but future events may be open to non-members. The next to take place will be “Pots & Frocks – the world of Grayson Perry from Essex Punk Potter to Superstar National Treasure” on

11 November, presented by Tate Modern guide Ian Swankie.

Widely known for his outlandish appearances dressed as his feminine alter ego, Claire, Grayson Perry is now a core part of the art establishment, a Turner Prize winner, Royal Academician, popular broadcaster and colourful character. He’s possibly one of the world’s best-known contemporary artists. His works of ceramics, textiles, tapestries and prints are highly sought after. Often controversial, he tackles difficult subjects in a poignant yet witty way and holds a mirror up to society. This talk will examine Grayson Perry’s work, his exciting and thought-provoking exhibitions, and the unique character inside the flamboyant frocks.

Membership of the Arts Society Chiswick includes 10 expert lectures and many other activities. For more information see

theartssocietychiswick.org.uk