Pupils across the school have enjoyed two excellent John Glyn Society lectures this term as Colfe’s welcomed art critic, writer and broadcaster Charlotte Mullins and filmmaker and adventurer Matt Dickinson.
Charlotte Mullins spoke to older students about the history of Art in the British Isles, inspired by the research she did for her most recent book The Art Isles, a 15,000-year story of art in Britain and Ireland. The book tells the story of why art in Britain and Ireland is so rich and dynamic – and why it has always extended far beyond geographical borders. Charlotte has published over a dozen books on visual art, including A Little History of Art. She contributes to the weekly column “My Favourite Painting” for Country Life, is the presenter of the podcast Making a Mark for the Cristea Roberts Gallery and is a regular reviewer on BBC Radio 4’s Front Row.
The younger students enjoyed a talk on mountaineering from award-winning film maker and writer Matt Dickinson. Matt asked for a pair of mountain boots for his tenth birthday and since that point he has never looked back. During a life of adventure and an action-packed career he has filmed on Everest’s summit (the first British film maker to do so and get back alive), in Antarctica, Greenland, Alaska, the Sahara Desert and on top of the highest live volcano in the world. Along the way he has survived avalanche, a killer storm in the death zone and even a beaver attack in Alaska.
Lauren, Y9, reviewed Matt’s lecture:
“I really enjoyed Matt Dickinson’s lecture! It was fascinating to learn about the challenges and adventures of mountain expeditions. I was particularly interested in his trip to the base camp as he talked about the quality of life for those working in Nepal, which is often very poor as many have to do strenuous manual labour for hours on end with very little pay. Mr Dickinson was a great speaker, and I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to attend this lecture.”
