The Architectural Historian Dr Sarah Whittingham will lecture us tonight on ‘The Victorian Fern Craze’.

The lecture will encompass the collection and cultivation of these plants and using them as a decorative motif in architecture and design.  Sarah’s  small book on this subject was published in October 2009, and will be available for sale after the lecture.

The lecture starts at 7.30pm and doors will open at 7.00pm

(This item updated on 27 January 2010)

Emeritus Professor Dr Sam Smiles of Plymouth University will talk to us tonight about Sir Joshua Reynolds: A life in Art. The lecture is a tie-in to the Exhibition concurrently running at the Plymouth Museum & Art Gallery.  There will also be an excursion to the exhibition on Thursday 21 January — see below.

Dr Sam Smiles was appointed Professor of Art History at Plymouth University in 1999 and also became research coordinator for History of Art, Architecture and Design.  The list of his publications is extensive and he is co-curator of the exhibition on Sir Joshua Reynolds.

(This item updated on 15 September 2009)

This evening the well-known author Tracy Chevalier will be giving us a talk and signing her new novel based on the life of Mary Anning, the famous Victorian fossil hunter, in the Rear Hall of the Museum.  The book, entitled Remarkable Creatures, was published recently and has received excellent reviews.   It should be a very stimulating evening.

Tracy’s talk will start at 7.30pm  You do not need to book for this event, so do come early to ensure a seat.

(This item updated on 23 September 2009)