The Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí (1852-1926) is well-known and much loved. In this lecture, Dr Jacqueline Cockburn will explore his work in detail, and show how he engaged with nature in the most innovative and extraordinary ways. Inspired by honeycombs and spiders' webs, armadillo skins and mushrooms, trees and whales' bellies, Gaudí worked with extraordinary ceramicists, iron workers, tilers and decorative artists. We will look at his public and private buildings and his relationship with a wealthy and demanding patron. Private, shy and retiring he was also humorous and witty in his extravagant style.