As we ease our way through these long, golden summer days (and a few damp ones), I hope each of you has found a moment to pause, breathe, and enjoy the simple pleasures that this season brings. Whether you’ve been travelling, spending time with family, or simply enjoying a good book in the shade, summer has a wonderful way of reminding us to slow down. Christmas, too, seems to linger a little longer when the sun is shining—its gatherings, its laughter, and its sense of connection carrying us gently into the new year.
With that renewed energy, I’m delighted to share that we have two exceptional events ahead—both certain to spark curiosity and conversation among our Friends.
Our first lecture of the year, on Sunday 1 March, welcomes the incomparable Susannah Fullerton, OAM FRSN. Some of you will know Susannah as Sydney’s most celebrated lecturer on classic literature, and her enthusiasm is nothing short of infectious. She has written extensively on literary figures, led tours, judged awards, and is a familiar voice on radio and television. Her topic, Those Mitford Girls!, promises a lively exploration of one of the most extraordinary—and eccentric—families of the 20th century. From Jessica the activist, to Unity the Nazi sympathiser, to Nancy whose novels captured the wild spirit of her class, to Diana the infamous beauty, and Debo the Duchess, the Mitford sisters lived lives that were anything but ordinary. Susannah’s insight and storytelling flair will bring their world vividly to life.
Then, on 17 May, we shift from literature to the dramatic world of Baroque art with Rosalind Whyte. With degrees from Goldsmiths and Birkbeck, and extensive experience lecturing at Tate Britain, Tate Modern, the Royal Academy, and beyond, Rosalind is a gifted communicator with a talent for making art history both accessible and enthralling. Her lecture on Caravaggio introduces us to the tempestuous genius whose bold use of light and shadow transformed Western art. Caravaggio’s life was as dramatic as his canvases—brilliant, volatile, and ultimately tragic. Rosalind will guide us through the intensity of his work and the extraordinary legacy he left behind.
As we look ahead, I hope these events offer inspiration and enjoyment in equal measure. Thank you for your continued support, enthusiasm, and friendship. I look forward to seeing many of you soon as we embark on another stimulating year together.
Kindest regards
Mazz