Our Conservation Fellow, Kendall Francis takes a closer look at indigo, a blue dye and pigment extracted from the leaves of plants, and how it is used and represented in paintings in our collection.
Kendall’s research reveals histories that are not explicitly portrayed in the paintings and highlights the important contributions from a wider range of people, including the enslaved people who cultivated the crops and extracted the indigo against their will. Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
The Cultured Traveller, December 2021-February 2022 Issue 36
The seat of the world’s longest living monarch, brimming with culture and theatrics in every facet of its being and constantly moving forwards to adapt to the ever-changing planet, the multicultural heart of the British Commonwealth is undoubtedly one of the world’s greatest cities. In issue 36 of The Cultured Traveller, the team explores charismatic LONDON to provide the ultimate insider guide to the great British capital. Permanently glamorous British actress DAME JOAN COLLINS finds time in her hectic schedule to chat about her devilish new book, while interior designer ALEXANDRA CHAMPALIMAUD speaks to The Cultured Traveller about transforming some of the world’s most iconic hotels. Sam Henderson explores the otherworldly landscapes of YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK, complete with its steaming geysers and bubbling mud pools. Alex Benasuli enjoys the unassuming sophistication of laidback SHELTER ISLAND in the Hamptons. And Joe Mortimer visits GLENMORANGIE’s innovative new distillery in Scotland.
There is a very well-known story called “Chushingura” in Japan. It is the story of 47 samurai who gave their lives to avenge the honor of their lord. It inspired over 4,000 ukiyo-e woodblock prints. Performed on stage over 7,000 times in various genres. More than 300 years later, the story continues to inspire novelists and filmmakers. Ako Castle is where the story began. The 47 samurai were the retainers of the Ako clan. The video starts off with this side story, then focuses on the characteristics, the structure of the castle, and the financial support achieved by innovative salt production.
Film Director: Tadahiro Konoe Film Producer: Tadahiro Konoe Production Company: curioswitch Inc. Client: Ako City (Hyogo prefecture, Japan)
🐳 🖼 On today’s podcast @philipwhale joins Adam Biles to discuss Albert & the Whale, his extraordinary exploration of the work of Albrecht Dürer. Search “Shakespeare and Company” in your podcast app or click here: https://t.co/PwrovM8BnF 🖼 🐳 pic.twitter.com/oNRo9Q5cAg
A timeless treasure, nearly lost forever. Without the UNESCO‘s unprecedented rescue operation, future generations might have only seen the stunning temples of Ramses II and Cleopatra in the pages of history books. Majestic stone colossi rising from the desert sands, structures like these kept their secrets for generations.
For centuries, Abu Simbel, Dendur, Amada and other monuments faced threats from looters, earthquakes, and floods. Ultimately, it was the waters of the Aswan Dam that nearly sealed their fate. In 1960, then Egyptian President Nasser ordered the dam‘s construction. In order to save the temples of Ramses II and Cleopatra, among others, UNESCO reached out to over 50 countries, and raised $80 million.
After receiving multiple proposals to save the structure, it was one from Sweden that proved successful. The plan: dismantling the complex and rebuilding it on higher ground. Between November 1963 and September 1968, saws were used to cut the two temples into 1,036 blocks, each weighing between seven and 30 tons.
Their new location was 64 meters above the old site and 180 meters further inland. After five years of construction, this major undertaking was completed on September 22, 1968. The Nubian temples of Abu Simbel are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What will some of 2022’s top themes and stories be? Tom Standage, editor of The Economist’s future-gazing annual, “The World Ahead 2022”, gives his prediction.
Video timeline: 00:00 What to expect in 2022 00:35 Pandemic to endemic 01:35 Inequality in hybrid working 02:34 Taming cryptocurrencies 03:43 The race to dominate space 04:34 The need for corporate climate solutions
Explosive growth in "ultra-processed" foods that bear little resemblance to anything natural is behind a panoply of diseases. Policymakers are taking notice.
Americans are addicted to 'ultra-processed' foods, and it's killing us.
Intellicurious 