The Attingham Study Programme 2023

‘Andrea Palladio, Venice and the Veneto’

18 – 26 September 2023

This programme considers Palladian architecture, Venetian painting, sculpture, glass, mosaic, books, furnishings and textiles – all so influential for the Neo-Palladian Country Houses of Britain, northern Europe and the USA – taking account of recent research in Venice and Vicenza. The programme studies some of the most well-preserved interiors of the private palaces and villas and their conservation in the context of the future preservation of Venice and its lagoon. The course will be based in two centres: the Cini Foundation on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, an academic institution and centre of excellence for scholars in the study of Venice, and in hotel accommodation in Vicenza.

The course will visit the basilica, cloisters and library of the Palladian monastery of San Giorgio and also the Glass Rooms, which aim to support the international importance of the Muranese glassmakers. A day in the lagoon will enable us to learn more of its ecology, upon which the history and future of Venice relies. Further visits will include two glass foundries, including the historic Orsoni furnaces with its astonishing Colour Library, which is still producing mosaic tesserae, and the Luigi Bevilacqua Silk velvet weaving looms sited on the Grand Canal.

The course lecturers, experts in the field, will also consider the importance of Venice as a centre of book production, the significance of the system of governance and patronage under its titular head, the Doge; the importance of the Scuole (Guilds) as secular patrons of artistic production; the State Archives and the Ghetto. The programme ends in Vicenza where the most significant of the Palladian features of Vicenza include his Teatro Olimpico and the Palazzo Barbarano, now home to the Palladio Museum, while the iconic Villas Almerico Capra (La Rotonda), Foscari (La Malcontenta) and Barbaro (Maser) are among the sites we shall visit.

Course Director

Dr Andrew Moore

Course Co-ordinator

Rita Grudzień

Enrolment and fees

The cost of the course is £4,350. This includes standard accommodation, breakfast, most lunches and dinners. Tuition, admissions and travel by vaporetto, private boat and private coach during the course are also included. All bedrooms are for single occupancy and have en-suite facilities.

Applications

The deadline for applications is 12 February 2023.  All candidates will be notified by mid March 2023 if they have been awarded a place.  Payment of fees in full will be due by 30 April 2023, and may be made by bank transfer or with a sterling cheque.  Participants are strongly advised to insure against cancellation, as no refunds will be made following payment, unless the place can be filled by another suitable candidate.  In such a case, an administrative fee of £100 will be made.

Scholarships for applicants from Australia

For applicants from Australia seeking scholarships, please refer to: www.coplandfoundation.com.au by 28 November 2022

Please note that The Attingham Trust is a registered educational charity. Our courses are provided occasionally, on a not-for-profit basis and to a limited group of participants. This trip does not, therefore, constitute a ‘package holiday’ for the purpose of the Package Travel Regulations

The Council of The Attingham Trust reserves the right to adjust fees if there is a substantial change in the exchange rate, as these were assessed on the basis of assumptions made in November 2022. Should this prove necessary, members will be informed.