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Author Archives: chapmanlou
Rise of the Gothic … the Cathedrals of Salisbury and Exeter
I happened to visit both of these stunning cathedrals over the Easter weekend. Although very different, both are triumphs of Medieval Gothic architecture. Salisbury Cathedral is in the county of Wiltshire and Exeter Cathedral in the county of Devon, both … Continue reading
Posted in Architecture, Art History, Culture, History, Out and About
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Song Ceramics: Still taking the world by storm
When first exhibited in the UK in the early 20th century, Song dynasty ceramics caused a sensation in artistic circles and sparked a revolution in studio ceramics. With their delicate glazes and pure forms, Song wares lay in stark contrast … Continue reading
Posted in Art, Art History, Asia, Culture, History, Museums
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Experimental Archaeology
The village fayre or fete has long been a staple of rural life in Britain. The biannuale Sutton Poyntz Street Fayre takes place in the picturesque village of Sutton Poyntz in Dorset, south west England. Along with stalls selling homemade … Continue reading
Posted in Dorset Archaeology, History, Out and About
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Dorset Archaeological Masterpieces … Iron Age Sculpture
These mysterious stone faces, larger than a human head, were carved some time before 43 CE by members of the Durotriges tribe. The Durotriges were an Iron Age tribal confederation; their territory spanned across the southern English counties of Dorset, … Continue reading
Posted in Art, Art History, Dorset Archaeology, History, Museums, Out and About
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Dorset Archaeological Masterpieces … Handaxes
I came across the above neolithic handaxe in the Dorset County Museum archive. Dorset’s chalky soil provided an abundance of flint that was ideal for making tools. It is thought that these axes would have been fitted into wooden handles … Continue reading
Posted in Dorset Archaeology, History, Museums, Out and About
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Dorset Archaeology
Above is a photograph of Chalbury Hillfort in Dorset, southwest England. One of the first hillforts in Britain, Chalbury was occupied for around 2000 years the Bronze Age until the Roman period. Growing up in Dorset, I was spoilt for … Continue reading
Posted in Dorset Archaeology, History
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Dining with the Dead: Have you eaten yet?
Those familiar with China will recognise the every-day greeting “你吃饭了吗？” – have you eaten yet? Food is a central aspect of Chinese culture, bringing families, friends and communities together and this “obsession with food” has deep historical roots. The majority … Continue reading
Posted in Art, Art History, Asia, Culture, History, Museums
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The Face of Serenity … South East Asian Buddhist Art at the V&A
For more information on Buddhist Sculpture at the V&A visit: http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/b/buddhist-sculpture-v-and-a/ (Photographs my own)
Posted in Art, Art History, Asia, Culture, Museums
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Out and About … Chinoiserie at Kew Gardens
Structures at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, such as the pavillion-style roofs of the Temperate House and the famous Pagoda, reflect the fashion for ‘Chinese’ design in 18th century England. (Photograph my own)
Posted in Architecture, Art History, Out and About
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Buddhist Sculpture at the V&A … Hellenic Influences in Ancient Gandhara
The Buddhist Sculpture gallery at the Victoria and Albert Museum charts the rise of early Buddhism and its spread across Asia. In the earliest section, you can admire sculptures from the ancient Kingdom of Gandhara. The grace and realism of … Continue reading
Posted in Art, Art History, Asia, Culture, History
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Art, History and Asia, by Partial, Prejudiced and Ignorant Historian 