This lecture explores the idea of marriage as the cornerstone of Florentine society – set to shore up dynastic and economic unions. We look at the exquisite furniture associated with the marriage ceremony. Wedding chests or Cassone – painted, gilded and carved chests for the purpose of containing the bride's dowry. These magnificent chests, like the bride, would have been paraded through the city streets for all to see – and only guess at the luxurious contents contained within!!
no booking necessary
I graduated as a Blue Badge Guide early in 2013 and won an award for the best new guide at Westminster Abbey. Since then I have been conducting bespoke private tours for discerning visitors to London. I established my own guiding company Canvas and Stone Tours in 2018 (www.canvasandstonetours.co.uk)
My background and passion is Art & History. I studied for my BA in History of Art & Italian at the University of Sussex and did my MA in Renaissance Decorative Arts & Design at the Royal College of Art.
I worked for 6 years as a curator in the Sculpture Department at the Victoria & Albert Museum as well as in smaller collections such as the Henry Moore Family Trust. As well as guiding I am an adjunct lecturer at Richmond The American International University in London where I teach undergraduates The History of London.
I lecture regularly for art, history and academic societies as well as providing training courses and Continual Professional Development courses for students and guide members of the Institute of Tourist Guides.
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