by Wickhambrook History Society
Our last meeting in the hall for this year was entitled Country Life in the Time of Gainsborough, Constable and Austen. By showing some well-known paintings and linking them to events in Jane Austen’s novels, Martin Roper gave us a fascinating look at the way art and literature are linked to history.
He also introduced us to the naive paintings of Diana Spurling who lived at Dynes Hall near Halstead and her charming, simple pictures were brought to life by Martin’s interpretations.
Famous diarists Parson Woodforde and Daniel Defoe were quoted to good effect, and the cartoons of Thomas Bewick and Thomas Rowlandson added to the mix.
We were shown hunting, bowls, cricket and horse racing: travelling by gig and chaise: music and scenes of the upper and lower classes at play. A very entertaining evening!
Our summer visits are on Wednesday 20th June (Landguard Fort, Felixstowe) and Wednesday 18th July (The 100th Bomb Group, Thorpe Abbots)
More information is available from the secretary, 01440 820052