To be held on 15 March 2023
No gemstone can rival the pearl for mystery and subtle beauty. A naturally perfect jewel that requires no cutting or polishing. The pearl is one of humanities oldest ornaments and one of its deepest obsessions. Throughout history Sultans fought wars to search for pearls, priests made the pearl a sacred icon, royal heads wore them, and artists celebrated its purity, luminescence and seductive charm. Pearls are found in graves from ancient Susa, were worn by Indian Yakas goddesses, seen in abundance on Roman ladies. Byzantine rulers ordered pearl encrusted jewels and by the Renaissance the Spanish galleons carried hoards of pearl-filled chests to this continent which started the “pearl craze” among the glittering royal courts in Europe.
Hanne Sutcliffe
Hanne has lectured extensively to museums, art and historical societies, and the Art Fund. She has been guide, lecturer and researcher on sixteen tours to China. Other Lecture tours include Australia, South Africa, and the USA. She has lectured in Europe and on cruise liners in the Far East. She has published Chinese Ceramics at Lotherton Hall and is a Council Member of Oriental Ceramics Society