The Arts Society Dukeries meets on the first Wednesday of most months for a lecture on a specific art topic – with exciting subjects planned for the 2025 Programme.
Members can also enjoy a holiday with the Society, trips to local events and theatres, including a Gilbert and Sullivan production at Buxton Opera House, newsletters and a national magazine.
On Wednesday 2nd April, join them to hear ‘Behind the Veil: The Arts of Islamic Persia’ by speaker John Osborne.
Iran has a sophisticated, cultural heritage ignored in the headlines. The main part of this lecture illustrates the development of the spectacular architecture in the mosques and palaces of Persia through the Islamic period, with an emphasis on the brilliant tile work and painting, including the splendid buildings of Shah Abbas’ early 17th century Isfahan. Persia’s classic gardens are mentioned, and beautiful examples of manuscript illustration (known as ‘miniatures’) are included. The lecture explains how the Sh’a form of Islam originated, and became the ruling creed of the late 20th century Iran of Ayatollah Khomeini.
Then on Wednesday 7th May, the lecture is ‘What have the Huguenots ever done that is for us? Mass migration and the arts in Britain’ and the speaker will be Vivienne Lawes.
The mass migration of the French Protestant Huguenots in the 16th and 17th centuries impacted the arts, the military and financial sectors of the countries to which they fled after suffering Catholic persecution in their homeland. It is estimated that upwards of 50,000 people settled in the British Isles, and that perhaps one in six of the country’s population descends from Huguenot lineage.
The Society meet at the Civic Centre, Long Lane, Carlton-in-Lindrick S81 9AP. Tea and coffee is usually available from 10.00am and, after notices, the lecture is 11.00am to 12.00pm approximately. There is free car parking. Members pay an annual subscription and visitors are welcome, paying at the door.
For further details, please contact Caroline on 01909 531614, or see www.theartssociety.org/Dukeries.