• 2pm - 2:45pm ArtTalk with Martin Beek
• 2:45pm - 3pm Q&A session and short comfort break
• 3pm - 5pm Live demonstration by Heather Held

 

Our 'In the Style Of' classes bring together our ever popular ArtTalks with the joy of a traditional class. Join us for an engaging talk with our resident art history expert, Martin Beek, followed by a live demonstration by the super talented Heather Held.  This wonderful collaborative class is inspired by Victorian Valentines and is open to students of all abilities.

 

ArtTalk
In Victorian painting, flowers and their symbolic meanings play a very important part in the way we read these works. The Pre-Raphaelites, with their new attention to botanical detail and a truth to nature, explore this aspect of art.
 

Very often a reading of "the language of flowers" gives us a greater depth of understanding of such works and the artist’s symbolism and intentions. It was a fascinating period and Martin looks at some of the chief exponents of the language of flowers as we come up to Valentine’s day.
 

Martin's talk will be illustrated where possible with original photographs and slides. He will also provide a list of helpful books and links to further explore on a PDF following the talk. 
 

Demonstration
We will immerse ourselves in a bygone era where a floral note card or ribbon tied bouquet carried a personal or secret meaning to the recipient.
 

In this special Ardington exclusive, we will explore the beautiful language of flowers hidden in Victorian Valentines and ephemera.  Heather's demonstration will draw on her experience as a Florist, as well as her deep love of the Victorian era. Inspiration will be drawn from historic sources the natural world.
 

If you love all things Victorian, you will not want to miss this special class - just in time to create your own beautiful Valentine creations. We will use ink, colour and a touch of gold as we explore The Language of Flowers. Anything can be said with flowers on paper!