SPECIALIST TALKS
Dr Anthony Rayworth has been delivering beautifully illustrated lectures on Interior Design, Design History and Garden Design to Societies, Museums, Universities and private organisations for over 30 years. He has organised study tours to specialist international design fairs and has advised museums and galleries on their design collections both in the UK and overseas. He has also curated exhibitions of contemporary design in Milan, Naples, Scotland and London as well as lectured and developed curricula for private education organisations and universities across Europe. He is an Accredited Arts Society lecturer.
Anthony offers a range of lectures, study days and short courses around the subjects listed below, and may be commissioned to develop a bespoke lecture or event for exclusive delivery to your organisation, as a celebration of an achievement or anniversary for example. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
1. Living with History
In this richly-illustrated talk you will discover ways in which historical spaces can be reinterpreted to accommodate contemporary living. We will explore the principles and thinking behind the design of an inspirational selection of interiors of farmhouses, cottages, country estates and townhouses. We’ll also examine examples of stylish living in buildings from our industrial heritage and other non-traditional contexts.
2. Antiquarian Minimalism
Antiquarian minimalism is an exciting emerging genre within interior design. It brings together architectural history, the art of curation and the integration of high-concept design elements in residential interiors.
Sumptuously illustrated, this talk presents the work of key international designers whose output spans taste, centuries and economic strata. We’ll examine how these artists continue to shape the development of this complex, beautiful and influential style of interior design.
3. Classical Gardens: A New Perspective
For the first time in history, the garden is able to accommodate elements and approaches from previous generations whilst ensuring that wider considerations such as ecology, sustainability and the encouragement of wildlife are placed at the forefront of any design decision making process. One consequence of such awareness is a new perspective on what exactly constitutes a garden, as a re-appraisal of aesthetics and responsibilities has led to innovation in both design methodology and planting combination. This talk illustrates and discusses the integration of contemporary garden considerations within traditional garden contexts and how both approaches are raised by association.
4. The Evolution of Interior Design
Designing residential interiors in the 21st century can be a challenging business. Clients are more diverse and well-informed than ever - and they bring a complex and sophisticated design agenda to the table.
The best of contemporary interior design successfully reappraises the boundaries between traditional notions of style, taste and function. New approaches may include adapting historical style, re-interpreting rustic charm or bringing a fresh eye to carefully-curated minimalism. This illustrated talk delves into the rich portfolios of leading international practitioners, pulling out emerging themes and highlighting the ideas shaping the evolution of the residential interior.
5. History of Water in the Garden
Through the carved fountains and sinuous rills of the grand Papal gardens of the Italian Renaissance and the rivers and lakes of the English Landscape Movement, water adds character, mystery and drama to any outdoor space. This lavishly illustrated talk introduces the most inspirational uses of water in internationally important gardens of all sizes, ages, styles and contexts.