The Annabel Kennedy Memorial Lecture

Fund-Raising for Young Arts

The Arts Society Buckingham (TASB) recently held the first Annabel Kennedy Memorial Lecture, a fund-raising event for Young Arts which was a cause very close to Annabel’s heart. Annabel founded the Buckingham branch of NADFAS in 1989, was its first Chairman, and stayed involved for many years before moving over to the Art Fund. Annabel very sadly died 3 years ago. 

This first Memorial Lecture was, very appropriately, given by her daughter, Dr Thalia Kennedy, (below left with Belinda Morley-Fletcher) who has inherited her mother’s vibrant enthusiasm for the arts.  She is a highly respected scholar and lecturer on Islamic art and architectural history.  Her wide experience includes being the founding director of the Turquoise Mountain Institute for Afghan Arts and Architecture based in Kabul.  Thalia’s lecture was a fascinating insight into a field of art that was not well known to most of us.

Alongside Thalia’s lecture there was a display of art (see gallery below) by students from the Royal Latin School in Buckingham and Furze Down School for children with Special Education Needs in Winslow which are currently supported by TASB.

The lecture was attended by over 100 guests who enjoyed both the enthralling lecture and the quality and vibrancy of the students’ art.  It was a very successful social event, with good wine and excellent food, all taking place inthe spacious and modernistic setting of the Royal Latin School’s new ‘Discovery Centre’.  Through ticket sales and donations, the evening raised over £1500 for Young Arts.