'At Home, Everywhere and Nowhere': Travelling with John Singer Sargent

In childhood and throughout his life, Sargent was described as being 'at home everywhere and nowhere.' Born in Florence to itinerant American parents, he adopted a frenetic pattern of international travel throughout his life. The range and duration of his travels are truly staggering.

Renowned as a society portraitist, in 1909 his dramatic decision to refuse further commissions provided a new found freedom. Sargent also indulged his fascination for all things 'curious' - a favourite word. Accommodation was variable - ranging from the White House in Washington DC to a tent in the mountains.

The lecture explores his ability to capture a sense of place - the atmosphere, light, colours and textures of a land or seascape - with an intimately personal and often unusual interpretation. Whether it be luscious pomegranates in a Spanish orchard, brilliant hues of poppies in the Cotswolds, silver light on glistening fish in Norway, jewel-like reflections on water in Venice or Lake Garda, or the intense sunlight and heat of Morocco and the desert. Perhaps his most daring journey of all, was in 1918 age 62, as a war artist travelling to the war torn trenches in France.

Many of the works shown will include examples from private collections around the world and correspondence and photographs from friends, family and travelling companions.

Images (all courtesy of the lecturer):

San Vigilio boat with golden sail (1913)

Bedouins (1905)

Reading in a hammock Vizcaya, Florida (1917)

How to book this event:

Doors will open at 7:15 pm to allow time for the Summer party before the lecture starts at 8 pm. Non-members are welcome but they are encouraged to make a donation to the Society at the door. Details of how to become a member can be found on our website. www.theartssocietyswlondon.org.uk

THE ARTS SOCIETY ACCREDITED LECTURER

Ms Mary Alexander

Mary Alexander trained as an art historian and graduated with a BA Hons in History & History of Art (University College London) and later an MA (with Distinction) in History of Art (University College London).

She moved to Manchester to take up the post of Assistant Curator at Platt Hall, the Gallery of English Costume, a renowned collection of historic dress. Subsequently she lectured in art history at the University of Leeds, the Open University and Manchester University Extra Mural Department. From 1995 - 2008, she was a Visiting Lecturer at Christie’s Education in London.

Mary has also combined academic work with the world of design consultancy. In 1985 she joined Pentagram Design in London, a leading international design consultancy, and coordinated client presentations, publications, conferences and international special events, including the 1986 British Design event in Aspen Colorado. In 1988 she transferred to Pentagram’s New York office with the task of organising an international design conference held at Stanford University involving business, design and education leaders.

As an experienced international speaker, Mary lectures regularly for The Arts Society throughout the UK, Europe and Australia and New Zealand. She also contributes articles to magazines, newspapers and professional journals. She was President of The Arts Society Glaven Valley, Norfolk from 2016- 2021.

GALLERY