Kristine Hughes's Blog, page 65
January 8, 2016
DUKE OF WELLINGTON TOUR: WRAPPING UP OUR ADVENTURE
At long last we come to the end of our posts on The Duke of Wellington Tour, but fear not - Victoria and Kristine stayed on in England and have got plenty of after tour posts to come. In the meantime, here is wrap up of the highlights of our Tour.
Above, photos of our London hotel, the Grosvenor Victoria
Our fantastic group at Apsley House
The Wellington Arch
The Tower of London, with the Poppy Installation in full bloom
Horse Guards
Dinner at the Grenadier Pub
Afternoon tea at Richoux, Piccadilly
Walmer Castle
Dover Castle
Er . . . . a really neat doorway
Prinny's Royal Pavilion, Brighton
Stratfield Saye
Reading
Downton Abbey, aka Highclere Castle
Basildon Park
Windsor Castle
The Guildhall, Windsor
Windsor Castle
Frogmore House
And the final photos of our tour group. Miss you all, many thanks for joining us on our tour through Wellington's England. Stay tuned for details regarding our next tour!
Above, photos of our London hotel, the Grosvenor Victoria
Our fantastic group at Apsley House
The Wellington Arch
The Tower of London, with the Poppy Installation in full bloom
Horse Guards
Dinner at the Grenadier Pub
Afternoon tea at Richoux, Piccadilly
Walmer Castle
Dover Castle
Er . . . . a really neat doorway
Prinny's Royal Pavilion, Brighton
Stratfield Saye
Reading
Downton Abbey, aka Highclere Castle
Basildon Park
Windsor Castle
The Guildhall, Windsor
Windsor Castle
Frogmore House
And the final photos of our tour group. Miss you all, many thanks for joining us on our tour through Wellington's England. Stay tuned for details regarding our next tour!
January 6, 2016
2016: THE YEAR OF EMMA
Victoria here, on a favorite subject -- my favorite author. Jane Austen's fourth novel, Emma, was published in late December, 1815, but listed on the title page as 1816. Therefore, the Jane Austen Society is officially celebrating the novel's bicentenary in 2016.
Many Austen experts regard Emma as the author's masterpiece, written in 1814 and 1815 when she was at the height of her mature powers, though any of the six complete novels she published has its supporters as the best of all.
In the famous opening sentence of Emma, she is described as "handsome, clever, and rich, with a comfortable home and happy disposition...and...very little to distress or vex her."
Nevertheless, Jane Austen wrote, "I am going to take a heroine whom no one but myself will much like" -- a character who perhaps could be afflicted with "affluenza"? Emma is generally considered to be self-centered and snobbish, though many readers are convinced she has understood her faults and learned to overcome them by the conclusion of the story -- and in the light of Mr. Knightley's love.
One of several excellent tv/film versions of EmmaIndeed, Laura Miller, in Slate, calls Emma A Perfect Novel (here).
And Austen Scholar John Mullan gives us an excellent view of how Emma created new novelistic directions, here.
The Jane Austen Society of North America will have many meetings and presentations devoted to Emma this year, including the AGM in October in Washington D.C. (Most of the politicians will be off campaigning leaving the lovely city to us history and literature buffs).
For everything Emma, all the time, click here for JASNA's special page.
January 5, 2016
January 4, 2016
THOMASINA'S NOTEBOOK, A TALK BY DR. GLYNIS RIDLEY
Back in October, I attended the 2015 Annual General Meeting of the Jane Austen Society of North America, held in Louisville, Kentucky. I have reported here on several of the presentations there (Ship's Surgeon, JASNA AGM Tidbits, Mary Crawford at Almack's?, Age of Caricature, men's clothing) and associated jaunts to Locust Grove, the Kentucky Horse Park, and the Cincinnati Art Museum.
One of my favorites of the Special Interest talks at the AGM was "Thomasina's Notebook and Thomas Lefroy's House: Life of a Young Woman in Austen's Dublin."
Glynis Ridley, PhD, Professor of English, at the University of Louisville
Dr. Ridley spoke about a book found in a Paris Flea Market by her husband, and the fascinating mystery she is uncovering.
A commonplace book is a compendium of poems, prose excerpts, original observations, and daily commentary often belonging to a young woman of some status in the Georgian era. She might write in it herself, or ask various friends and acquaintances to enter material.
Literary historians have found many examples of commonplace books.
When he brought the book to his wife, Dr. Ridley's husband was not fully aware of just what he had discovered. Only after considerable research has Dr. Ridley begun to unravel the stories of the owner and her family. And even more exciting, she discovered a link with Jane Austen.
The notebook belonged to Thomasina, daughter of Thomas Gleadowe-Newcomen, 2nd Viscount Newcomen (1776–1825) and his long-time mistress Harriet Holland, who bore him eight children. Like peeling an onion, layer by layer, more mysteries are revealed.
Newcomen was an unmarried banker and lived in a grand Dublin mansion with Harriet and their children; why did he and Harriet never marry? Obviously, from clues in Thomasina's commonplace book, the family associated with Dublin's leading citizens, some of whom wrote in the book. They lived together as a family in a fine Dublin mansion, and their country home was Carrigglass, aka Carrickglass, about which more later.
The former Newcomen Bank, Lord Edward Street, Dublin
In 1825, the Newcomen Bank failed and Lord Newcomen killed himself, at age 48. Still to be tracked down are the movements of Harriet and her children, at first to France, then back to England. In later years, where did they all end up, and particularly what happened to Thomasina? Dr. Ridley has a few leads and perhaps some clues, and we await her findings eagerly.
And now for the Jane Austen connection, a serendipitous a matter indeed. Carrigglass, the country home of the Newcomens, was purchased by Thomas Lefroy (17876-1869) in the 1820's after the demise of the bank and its owner. Thomas Lefroy was the student whose flirtation with Jane Austen in 1796 has been the object of much attention in the last few years, turned into a romantic film (Becoming Jane, 2007). After his "interlude" in Hampshire with Jane, Thomas Lefroy returned to Dublin, became a member of the bar and eventually Lord Chief Justice of Ireland. In 1837, he had the house rebuilt in the Tudoresque style. He and his descendants lived at Carrigglass until its sale in 2005.
Carrigglass, Co.
As a sad postscript about this property, one version of the wretched fate of Cairrgglass, can be found here.
Dr, Ridley certainly presented us with a fascinating account of her research mysteries and the need for further investigation. Along the way, she presented many comparisons to the characters in Jane Austen's novels. We could easily identify a Marianne (SandS) and a Harriet Smith (Emma). We continue to wonder, did Harriet Holland or Thomasina ever find themselves a Mr. Darcy or a Mr. Knightley?
Previous books by Glynis Ridley:
One of my favorites of the Special Interest talks at the AGM was "Thomasina's Notebook and Thomas Lefroy's House: Life of a Young Woman in Austen's Dublin."
Glynis Ridley, PhD, Professor of English, at the University of LouisvilleDr. Ridley spoke about a book found in a Paris Flea Market by her husband, and the fascinating mystery she is uncovering.
A commonplace book is a compendium of poems, prose excerpts, original observations, and daily commentary often belonging to a young woman of some status in the Georgian era. She might write in it herself, or ask various friends and acquaintances to enter material.
Literary historians have found many examples of commonplace books.When he brought the book to his wife, Dr. Ridley's husband was not fully aware of just what he had discovered. Only after considerable research has Dr. Ridley begun to unravel the stories of the owner and her family. And even more exciting, she discovered a link with Jane Austen.
The notebook belonged to Thomasina, daughter of Thomas Gleadowe-Newcomen, 2nd Viscount Newcomen (1776–1825) and his long-time mistress Harriet Holland, who bore him eight children. Like peeling an onion, layer by layer, more mysteries are revealed.
Newcomen was an unmarried banker and lived in a grand Dublin mansion with Harriet and their children; why did he and Harriet never marry? Obviously, from clues in Thomasina's commonplace book, the family associated with Dublin's leading citizens, some of whom wrote in the book. They lived together as a family in a fine Dublin mansion, and their country home was Carrigglass, aka Carrickglass, about which more later.
The former Newcomen Bank, Lord Edward Street, DublinIn 1825, the Newcomen Bank failed and Lord Newcomen killed himself, at age 48. Still to be tracked down are the movements of Harriet and her children, at first to France, then back to England. In later years, where did they all end up, and particularly what happened to Thomasina? Dr. Ridley has a few leads and perhaps some clues, and we await her findings eagerly.
And now for the Jane Austen connection, a serendipitous a matter indeed. Carrigglass, the country home of the Newcomens, was purchased by Thomas Lefroy (17876-1869) in the 1820's after the demise of the bank and its owner. Thomas Lefroy was the student whose flirtation with Jane Austen in 1796 has been the object of much attention in the last few years, turned into a romantic film (Becoming Jane, 2007). After his "interlude" in Hampshire with Jane, Thomas Lefroy returned to Dublin, became a member of the bar and eventually Lord Chief Justice of Ireland. In 1837, he had the house rebuilt in the Tudoresque style. He and his descendants lived at Carrigglass until its sale in 2005.
Carrigglass, Co. As a sad postscript about this property, one version of the wretched fate of Cairrgglass, can be found here.
Dr, Ridley certainly presented us with a fascinating account of her research mysteries and the need for further investigation. Along the way, she presented many comparisons to the characters in Jane Austen's novels. We could easily identify a Marianne (SandS) and a Harriet Smith (Emma). We continue to wonder, did Harriet Holland or Thomasina ever find themselves a Mr. Darcy or a Mr. Knightley?
Previous books by Glynis Ridley:
January 1, 2016
December 30, 2015
AGATHA CHRISTIE'S MOUSETRAP
AGATHA CHRISTIE'S MOUSETRAP
Victoria here, reporting on the recent presentation of this venerable play as the holiday offering of the Milwaukee Repetory Theatre
Featuring
Jonathan Gillard Daly
and Laura Gordon A CELEBRATION OF THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY
OF AGATHA CHRISTIE’S BIRTH
The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie, Directed by J.R. SullivanHere's the Rep's blurb: "A classic whodunit mystery for the whole family!Playing to sold-out houses in London’s West End for over 60 years, The Mousetrap has been released to American audiences through a limited number of authorized productions – including at Milwaukee Rep! A murder is committed at a newly opened rooming house, and the snowbound hosts and guests—with the aid of a police inspector—must determine who the killer is before he or she strikes again. Agatha Christie’s masterful whodunit weaves an intricate plot filled with nerve-rattling suspense, all leading up to an unforgettable final twist!"
For all of you who have seen the play in London -- or elsewhere -- I'm sure you remember the experience fondly. I can't remember how many times I've attended a London performance, but enough that I remember the characters including the perpetrator. But no spoilers here!
The Mousetrap opened in 1952 and is still running, the longest run in London history.
Here is an interesting article about some things you might not know. Even if you've seen it as many times as I have!
This American production was well done, with the shabby genteel set, the characters with all their secrets, and of course, our unexpected twist at the end.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel photo by Michael Brosilow
In the J-S, critic Mike Fischer wrote of one of the characters, "'Who am I?,' he asks. 'You do not know. Where do I come from? You do not know.' When everyone is acting all of the time, how can we, ever? Forget the occasional creak in Christie's plot. In this Mousetrap, the thrills and chills are timely and psychological, living as we do in a world where none of us is ever quite what we seem — leaving all of us caught in a trap of our own devising."
It's all fun -- and as a wish for 2016, you could do no better than to hope for another evening of enjoyment at the hands of the skilled Miss Christie.
Victoria here, reporting on the recent presentation of this venerable play as the holiday offering of the Milwaukee Repetory Theatre
Featuring
Jonathan Gillard Daly
and Laura Gordon A CELEBRATION OF THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY
OF AGATHA CHRISTIE’S BIRTH
The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie, Directed by J.R. SullivanHere's the Rep's blurb: "A classic whodunit mystery for the whole family!Playing to sold-out houses in London’s West End for over 60 years, The Mousetrap has been released to American audiences through a limited number of authorized productions – including at Milwaukee Rep! A murder is committed at a newly opened rooming house, and the snowbound hosts and guests—with the aid of a police inspector—must determine who the killer is before he or she strikes again. Agatha Christie’s masterful whodunit weaves an intricate plot filled with nerve-rattling suspense, all leading up to an unforgettable final twist!"
For all of you who have seen the play in London -- or elsewhere -- I'm sure you remember the experience fondly. I can't remember how many times I've attended a London performance, but enough that I remember the characters including the perpetrator. But no spoilers here!
The Mousetrap opened in 1952 and is still running, the longest run in London history.
Here is an interesting article about some things you might not know. Even if you've seen it as many times as I have!
This American production was well done, with the shabby genteel set, the characters with all their secrets, and of course, our unexpected twist at the end.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel photo by Michael BrosilowIn the J-S, critic Mike Fischer wrote of one of the characters, "'Who am I?,' he asks. 'You do not know. Where do I come from? You do not know.' When everyone is acting all of the time, how can we, ever? Forget the occasional creak in Christie's plot. In this Mousetrap, the thrills and chills are timely and psychological, living as we do in a world where none of us is ever quite what we seem — leaving all of us caught in a trap of our own devising."
It's all fun -- and as a wish for 2016, you could do no better than to hope for another evening of enjoyment at the hands of the skilled Miss Christie.
December 28, 2015
GEORGIAN ART FROM THE NEW MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM
SOME GEORGIAN ART FROMTHE NEW MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM
Following a major renovation and rehanging of the entire collections, it was time to celebrate...at one of several Opening Parties, we met for cocktails and canapes in the Calatrava addition (completed 2001). After the official ribbon-cutting, we proceeded into the Older but newly renovated sections to view the entire collection in a new format.
MAM notice!
The Milwaukee Art Museum website is here.
Victoria here. As a long-time member, docent, volunteer, and staffer at the MAM, I was eager to see old friends in a new setting...and to enjoy the refreshed facilities, from the building itself, the HVAC system, lighting, and re-organisation of the collection.
European Galleries
One (or three?) of those old friends: Triple Profile Portrait, C. 1560-80French, School of Fontainebleau
Most of the galleries were closed for several years to complete the 6-year, $34 million for the renovation and expansion. Special exhibitions went on in the Calatrava Wing, but we were very happy to see some of our favorites on display again.
The Age of Enlightenment--Immanuel Kant, 2008by Yinka Shonibare, English, b. 1962mixed media, purchase by the Contemporary Art Society
The MAM has a particularly fine presentation of American furniture, much from the Chipstone Foundation, as well as the Layton Art Collection. Read about the Chipstone Foundation here.
Another of my personal favorites: London Visitors, 1874, by James TissotFrench (1836-1902) A view on the steps of the National Gallery with the the Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields in the background.And now to some promised Art from the Georgian Period, in both Britain and the U.S., her colonies during much of the period 1714-1837
Miss Frances Lee, 1769Francis Cotes (English, 1726–1770)
Portrait of Jane Emma Orde, ca. 1806John Hoppner (English, 1758–1810)
Puzzle Jug
, ca. 1820Sunderland or New Castle, England
Richard, Viscount Ennismore
, 1820/25Attributed to John Barry (British, active 1784–1827)
Landscape, n.d.John Constable (English, 1776–1837)
Thomas Lawrence (English, 1769–1830)Frederick, Duke of York, n.d.
There Were Not Found Women as Fair as the Daughters of Job in all the Land..., plate 20 from the series, "Illustrations from the Book of Job", 1825William Blake (English, 1757–1827)
Portrait of a Terrier, The Property of Owen Williams, ESQ., M.P. (Jocko with a Hedgehog), 1828 Edwin Landseer (English, 1802–1873)
Elizabeth McClure or Cecil Carnan, Mrs. Mordecai Gist
, 1774–75Charles Willson Peale (American, 1741–1827)
Eliza Susan Morton, Mrs. Josiah Quincy
, 1809Gilbert Stuart (American, 1755–1828)
Philadelphia, High Chest of Drawers, 1760-75
John James Audubon (American, b. Santo Domingo [now Haiti], 1785–1851). Entrapped Otter (Canada Otter), ca. 1827–30.
John Singleton Copley (American, 1738–1815)Alice Hooper, ca. 1763
Also on view until May 31, 2016 are two more portraits by Copley. The MAM states, "For the inaugural exhibition in the Constance and Dudley Godfrey American Art Wing’s Focus Gallery, the Milwaukee Art Museum will show two rare paintings never before exhibited in the United States: a pair of pendant portraits of American colonists Anne and Duncan Stewart by the country’s first old master, John Singleton Copley. Painted by Copley in 1767, the portraits show the Scottish couple who were prominent in Boston and Connecticut politics until the American War of Independence, when they took the loyalist side. In honor of their support, the English king restored their estates confiscated during the Jacobite Uprising, and the couple returned to Scotland, taking the portraits with them. Now owned by Edinburgh’s Stewart society—descendents of the sitters—the works will be returning to the United States for the first time in almost 250 years.
Duncan Stewart of Ardsheal, d. 1793by John S. Copley, 1767
Anne Erving, Mrs. Duncan Stewart (1740-after 1802)by John S. Copley
I hope I didn't miss too much -- I am delighted to say there will be many return visits to the newly re-hung galleries!
For now, just a few pictures of the magnificent building in three parts:
A view of the first War Memorial Center from the south) by Eero Saarinen, opened in 1957, which included the Milwaukee Art Center
The recently expanded and renovated Kahler Wing (1975 and 2015)from the east
Two views of the Calatrava Wing and the two other sections;looking north from Lake Michigan
Following a major renovation and rehanging of the entire collections, it was time to celebrate...at one of several Opening Parties, we met for cocktails and canapes in the Calatrava addition (completed 2001). After the official ribbon-cutting, we proceeded into the Older but newly renovated sections to view the entire collection in a new format.
MAM notice!The Milwaukee Art Museum website is here.
Victoria here. As a long-time member, docent, volunteer, and staffer at the MAM, I was eager to see old friends in a new setting...and to enjoy the refreshed facilities, from the building itself, the HVAC system, lighting, and re-organisation of the collection.
European Galleries
One (or three?) of those old friends: Triple Profile Portrait, C. 1560-80French, School of Fontainebleau
Most of the galleries were closed for several years to complete the 6-year, $34 million for the renovation and expansion. Special exhibitions went on in the Calatrava Wing, but we were very happy to see some of our favorites on display again.
The Age of Enlightenment--Immanuel Kant, 2008by Yinka Shonibare, English, b. 1962mixed media, purchase by the Contemporary Art Society
The MAM has a particularly fine presentation of American furniture, much from the Chipstone Foundation, as well as the Layton Art Collection. Read about the Chipstone Foundation here.
Another of my personal favorites: London Visitors, 1874, by James TissotFrench (1836-1902) A view on the steps of the National Gallery with the the Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields in the background.And now to some promised Art from the Georgian Period, in both Britain and the U.S., her colonies during much of the period 1714-1837
Miss Frances Lee, 1769Francis Cotes (English, 1726–1770)
Portrait of Jane Emma Orde, ca. 1806John Hoppner (English, 1758–1810)
Puzzle Jug
, ca. 1820Sunderland or New Castle, England
Richard, Viscount Ennismore
, 1820/25Attributed to John Barry (British, active 1784–1827)
Landscape, n.d.John Constable (English, 1776–1837)
Thomas Lawrence (English, 1769–1830)Frederick, Duke of York, n.d.
There Were Not Found Women as Fair as the Daughters of Job in all the Land..., plate 20 from the series, "Illustrations from the Book of Job", 1825William Blake (English, 1757–1827)
Portrait of a Terrier, The Property of Owen Williams, ESQ., M.P. (Jocko with a Hedgehog), 1828 Edwin Landseer (English, 1802–1873)
Elizabeth McClure or Cecil Carnan, Mrs. Mordecai Gist
, 1774–75Charles Willson Peale (American, 1741–1827)
Eliza Susan Morton, Mrs. Josiah Quincy
, 1809Gilbert Stuart (American, 1755–1828)
Philadelphia, High Chest of Drawers, 1760-75
John James Audubon (American, b. Santo Domingo [now Haiti], 1785–1851). Entrapped Otter (Canada Otter), ca. 1827–30. 
John Singleton Copley (American, 1738–1815)Alice Hooper, ca. 1763Also on view until May 31, 2016 are two more portraits by Copley. The MAM states, "For the inaugural exhibition in the Constance and Dudley Godfrey American Art Wing’s Focus Gallery, the Milwaukee Art Museum will show two rare paintings never before exhibited in the United States: a pair of pendant portraits of American colonists Anne and Duncan Stewart by the country’s first old master, John Singleton Copley. Painted by Copley in 1767, the portraits show the Scottish couple who were prominent in Boston and Connecticut politics until the American War of Independence, when they took the loyalist side. In honor of their support, the English king restored their estates confiscated during the Jacobite Uprising, and the couple returned to Scotland, taking the portraits with them. Now owned by Edinburgh’s Stewart society—descendents of the sitters—the works will be returning to the United States for the first time in almost 250 years.
Duncan Stewart of Ardsheal, d. 1793by John S. Copley, 1767
Anne Erving, Mrs. Duncan Stewart (1740-after 1802)by John S. CopleyI hope I didn't miss too much -- I am delighted to say there will be many return visits to the newly re-hung galleries!
For now, just a few pictures of the magnificent building in three parts:
A view of the first War Memorial Center from the south) by Eero Saarinen, opened in 1957, which included the Milwaukee Art Center
The recently expanded and renovated Kahler Wing (1975 and 2015)from the east
Two views of the Calatrava Wing and the two other sections;looking north from Lake Michigan
December 25, 2015
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Seems impossible that another holiday season has rolled around.
No matter what we celebrate at this time of year -- the days beginning to lengthen or a religious observance -- the holidays are a time for rushing around, overeating, indulging others, and if you have the energy left, personal merriment. To that end, here are couple of past posts for you to enjoy.
The Wellington Connection - Christmas Trees
Favourite UK Christmas Movies
Our Christmas Wishes for You
No matter what we celebrate at this time of year -- the days beginning to lengthen or a religious observance -- the holidays are a time for rushing around, overeating, indulging others, and if you have the energy left, personal merriment. To that end, here are couple of past posts for you to enjoy.
The Wellington Connection - Christmas Trees
Favourite UK Christmas Movies
Our Christmas Wishes for You
December 24, 2015
December 22, 2015
TWO DAYS DO THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS - FUNNY!
TWO DADS ACT OUT THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS IN COMIC SPIRIT
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE.
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