Sally Dormer of the V&A to Give a Talk on Medieval Gardens


The lecture is presented by The Arts Society Ealing

Gardens used as the settings for medieval tales of romance and intrigue
Gardens used as the settings for medieval tales of romance and intrigue

January 16, 2024

The next lecture to be hosted by The Arts Society Ealing will be give by Sally Dormer on the subject of medieval gardens.

She is a lecturer and tutor for the Early Medieval Year Course at the V&A. She is Dean of European Studies for two American Universities and is also a freelance lecturer for The Art Fund.

The lecture explores the distinctive forms and functions of medieval gardens through contemporary illuminated manuscripts, goldsmiths’ work and tapestries. It will look at monastic gardens, planted as early as the 9th century with a surprisingly wide variety of plants, produced food and medicinal remedies for their religious communities. It will also follow gardens enjoyed by secular patrons, whether formal enclosed spaces, or landscaped parks, were designed for pleasure, supplied with flowery meads, turf benches, raised flower beds and gravel-strewn paths. Such gardens were used as the settings for medieval tales of romance and intrigue, or interpreted as intriguing metaphors.

This talk is at 7:30pm on Monday 22 January at St Barnabas Church Hall, Pitshanger Lane, Ealing W5 1QG.

Visitors are welcome to attend at £8 per lecture (£3 for students); payment can be made in cash or by card on the evening or in advance by contacting: spsecretarytase@gmail.com

Visitors are welcome to attend at £8 per lecture (reduced to £3 for students); payment can be made by cash on the evening or in advance by contacting: spsecretarytase@gmail.com

The Arts Society Ealing belongs to the large umbrella organisation, The Arts Society, previously known as the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies (NADFAS), which was founded in 1968. The local Society, which has a membership of around 140, is now one of the 388 member societies of The Arts Society that have been formed throughout the United Kingdom, in parts of Europe and in Australia and New Zealand.

The Arts Society Ealing holds 10 lectures a year and more information can be found by visiting its web site.

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