Two Portraits
Barrie Sheppard continues to reflect on 18th century portraiture. Barrie writes: Both Sir Joshua Reynolds and Thomas Gainsborough painted portraits of Mrs Sarah Siddons, the acclaimed Welsh-born English actress famous …
Teacher’s Pet
When ‘Gazza’ the regional Victorian farmer, dropped off our new puppy, Marty, he offered one piece of advice. “I have found that a smack on the bottom with a rolled-up …
Mental Health Month
October is Mental Health Month in Australia and the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the escalating emotional consequences of dealing with the many ramifications of our changed lives. While the need …
Melbourne Then … and Now
Early last month, the director of the National Gallery of Victoria, Tony Ellwood, announced that the NGV would acknowledge the 10th anniversary of its hugely successful 2013 exhibition – Melbourne …
The London Pantheon
Barrie Sheppard takes us on a stroll in Georgian London. Barrie writes: If you have had the pleasure of strolling down Oxford Street, London, you may recall passing a Marks …
Vale: Kenzo Takada (1939-2020)
Wendy Hughes Chuck remembers designer Kenzo Takada. Wendy writes: When I read on Monday that Kenzo Takada had died, aged 81, in a Paris hospital of complications from Covid-19, I …
Reynold’s ‘Herculean’ painting
Barrie Sheppard continues to add to our knowledge of the life and times of Sir Joshua Reynolds. Barrie writes: The Hermitage in St Petersburg holds Sir Joshua Reynolds’ history painting …
Quaintrelle
As another week commences, and we get nearer to the end of lockdown, it is possible we will once again start to experience ‘sonntagsleerung’ an early 20th century German word …
‘Paper Boy’
Nita Jawary reflects on ‘Paper Boy’ by Florence Fuller. Nita writes: Nita also recommends reading the essay by Michael Varcoe-Cocks (Conservation Department, NGV) published on the NGV website in April …
At a loss for words…
After watching yesterday’s American presidential debate, the less said the better. Perhaps the next debate will fare better … We can only hope …