Thank you for registering for the online course, An Explosion of Beauty: The Art, Architecture, and Collections of British Country Houses, Part I!
Nowhere in the world are there so many country houses as in England, matchless for the astonishing variety of their styles and the richness of their collections and furniture.
This quote from the English architectural historian John Harris sums up what many scholars believe is Britain’s greatest and most lasting contribution to world culture: the country house. For centuries the country house held a unique position in English life. Before World War I, the families in these power houses ruled Britain. Not only were their houses the center of productive agricultural estates, their breathtaking interiors were the repositories of jaw-dropping collections of art.
In this online course, Curator of Special Collections and celebrated architectural historian Curt DiCamillo, FRSA will guide you through these stately homes, their interiors, and their world-class art collections. This seminar will cover Medieval, Jacobean, Restoration, and Baroque style, examining how each influenced design and culture.
This course includes three 90-minutes classes and extended Q&A with the instructor, access to the slides, and a bibliography. You do not need to attend the live sessions to participate in the course. Each class will be recorded and made available to participants until the end of February 2023.
INSTRUCTIONS ON JOINING
To join the live presentation, click: https://zoom.us/j/91665340651
If you are unable to attend the live session, you will be able to watch a recording of the presentation on this course page starting the following day, available until February 28, 2023. You will not miss any of the content by participating this way.
COURSE SCHEDULE
Class 1: Medieval (12th Century - 16th Century)
November 8; 4:00 - 5:30 PM EST
Class 2: Jacobean (1603-1625); Restoration (1660-1685)
November 15; 4:00 - 5:30 PM EST
Class 3: Baroque (1685-1725)
November 22; 4:00 - 5:30 PM EST
COURSE MATERIALS
RECORDED PRESENTATIONS
Class 1: Medieval (12th Century - 16th Century)
Live Broadcast: November 8, 2022
Running Time: 1:41:25
Class 2: Jacobean (1603-1625); Restoration (1660-1685)
Live Broadcast: November 15, 2022
Running Time: 1:27:15
Live Broadcast: November 22, 2022
Running Time: 1:27:51
INSTRUCTOR BIO
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Curt DiCamillo, FRSA, Curator of Special Collections Contact: curt.dicamillo@nehgs.org Curt DiCamillo, internationally recognized authority on English country houses and the decorative arts, joined American Ancestors in February 2016 as our first Curator of Special Collections. A longtime member of American Ancestors, Curt has led highly successful heritage tours for us to England and Scotland, lectured extensively in the United States and abroad, and taught classes on British culture and art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Curt was previously Executive Director of The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA. As Curator of Special Collections at American Ancestors, Curt provides strategic direction and expert guidance for organizing and exhibiting our extensive collection of family history-related artifacts and fine art. |
OTHER RESOURCES
Suggested Reading List
Curt DiCamillo's Country House Database
Pronunciation Guide
Archived Art & Architectural History Webinars
Historic Houses Website
National Trust Website