The Arts Society Cranleigh is pleased to offer the following talks as we start 2023.

Wednesday 22nd February 2023: THE HOUSEKEEPERS’ TALE – THE WOMEN WHO REALLY RAN THE COUNTRY HOUSE – with Tessa Boase. At 2.00 and 7.30 pm

As an investigative journalist and social historian Tessa sheds light on invisible women from the 19th and early 20th century, using old letters, secret diaries and neglected archives, bringing their narratives vividly to life through her flair for storytelling.

The AGM is to be held at 1.45 pm prior to the afternoon meeting at 2.00 pm.

Please note that as from 22 nd March, the meetings are held only at 2.00 pm, not 7.30 pm.

Wednesday 22nd March 2023: ‘IN PAYNTED POTS IS HIDDEN THE DEADLIEST POYSON’: ENGLISH DELFTWARE DRUG JARS with Briony Hudson

Blue and white tin-glazed earthenware has long been admired and collected for its attractive appearance, but this lecture goes further by examining English delftware with a pharmaceutical purpose.

Drawing on examples from collections at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Surgeons of England, this talk will provide a beginners guide to these beautiful yet practical vessels. By placing them
in their wider historical context, Briony will also demonstrate that delftware drug jars have an undervalued role to play in understanding medical practices in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Wednesday 26th April 2023: LAND OF THE MONKEY GOD – THE ART AND ARCHITECTURE OF SRI LANKA with Georgina Bexon

Shrines, stupas, cave temples, colonial grandeur and modernist architecture – a look at the history of this beautiful island through its intriguing art and culture. For much of Sri Lanka’s past Buddhist and Hindu have lived alongside each other peaceably and much of its culture is evidence of this spirit of tolerance and generosity.

This talk examines the fascinating story of Sri Lankan art and the original minds, talents and spirits that created this unique visual world.

Meetings are held at Cranleigh Arts Centre. Non-members are welcome to join us at a talk as a guest. No commitment, but a donation is appreciated!

Please contact: membership@theartssocietycranleigh.org or see our website: www.theartssocietycranleigh.org