Event Details
The poppy is a beautiful, fragile flower with immense power. Opium (from the Greek ‘opion’ – poppy juice) is a hypnotic bringer of sleep, dreams, delightful lethargy and relief from pain. It is also highly addictive. Greed led to the introduction of this hugely desirable substance, first in China, and then in Europe. The beguiling seduction of opium resulted in it being used to quieten troubled minds and calm agitated children and babies. Social and art history meet as this talk unfolds and demonstrates how the use of opium, particularly by those with troubled minds, led to the creation of great works of art in music, art and literature.
Amanda Herries read Archaeology & Anthropology at Cambridge University. From 1978-1988 she was Curator at Museum of London specialising in the decorative arts 1714 to present day, exhibitions, lectures, booklets, broadcasts. In 1988 Amanda moved with her family to Japan, where she lectured and wrote about the cross-cultural and artistic influences. In 1995 she returned to UK, fundraising for arts companies, writing, lecturing and guiding tours to Japan as well at general history and garden tours in Scotland. In 2001, Amanda curated an exhibition on Japanese plants and gardens in London and Edinburgh as part of Japan/British celebrations. Amanda is currently preparing an exhibition on the Scottish Colourist S.J. Peploe. Amanda has contributed to many publications on Japanese plant and garden influences in the West.