Little Luxuries: The Lure of Cathay

Hattie Bennett will look at objects imported to Europe from Asia from the 16th century.  These beautiful objects were firstly only possessed by the wealthy and powerful. Gradually they were able to trickle down to the "middling sort" and were informed by European taste and interest.  We will look at textiles, furniture and porcelain and discuss their impact on European interiors, dress and artistic movements.

This is the first in a series of four talks. The first three are delivered in Richmond and can be enjoyed in person or online. The final talk will take place in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and can only be joined in person.

Please note that once you pay you will get an automated email confirming your payment. This email will also contain one link should you wish to follow the talks online, please notify us well in advance if you did not receive the link.

Should you want to attend this lecture in person our venue is:

The Richmond Library Annexe, Quadrant Rd, Richmond TW9 1DH

When joining online, please make sure to log on 10 min before the start of the talks. This talk will be delivered in Zoom Meeting. This means your camera and microphone are on upon joining. You are welcome to either turn things off or join the discussion before and after the talk. Please mute yourself during the lecture.

A recording will be made of this lecture and can be bought separately at the end of the talk.

Upcoming lectures in this series:

20/1/23: 18th century Parisian Shopping

27/1/23: 18th century English Ceramics, From Chelsea to Wedgewood

3/2/23: Visit to the V&A