Live Broadcast: April 4, 2025
Presented by: Curt DiCamillo
Running Time: 1:24:25
At the heart of the Baroque style is drama. Originating in Italy in the late 17th century, the Baroque style influenced all of Europe, including English country houses. Its spread and popularity was in large part due to the Protestant refugees from the continent, particularly French Huguenots, who had a huge influence on the arts in England. Baroque interiors were noted for their overwhelming luxury—walls covered with tapestries, damask, or embossed leather; furniture was gilded, richly upholstered, and covered with colorful wood veneers and rich marquetry. In this richly illustrated lecture, Curt DiCamillo will bring you on a virtual tour of the Baroque style as expressed across English estates including Uppark, Chatsworth House, Grimsthorpe Castle, and many more.
About the Speaker
Curt DiCamillo, who joined American Ancestors in February of 2016 as the organization’s first Curator of Special Collections, is an internationally recognized authority on British historic houses and the decorative arts (his award-winning website on British country houses can be found here: TheDiCamillo.com). Before coming to American Ancestors, Curt was the Executive Director of The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA, where he successfully raised more than $7 million and initiated many innovative programs. As Curator of Special Collections, he provides strategic direction for organizing and exhibiting our extensive collection of fine art and family history-related artifacts, leads the Society’s Heritage Tours, and provides educational outreach through American Ancestors' extensive webinar series. In recognition of his work, Curt has been presented to the late Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and The Prince of Wales. He is an alumnus of the Royal Collection Studies program, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and a member of the Council of the American Museum in Britain. Curt’s book, Villa Astor: Paradise Restored on the Amalfi Coast, was published in 2017 by Flammarion. He is also the brother of the award-winning author Kate DiCamillo, something of which he’s extraordinarily proud.
Other Resources
Curt DiCamillo's Country House Database
Pronunciation Guide
Historic Houses Website