Over Peover WI enjoy a day of culture In Liverpool
A brisk sunny morning set the scene for 18 members, and friends of Over Peover WI to visit the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool. Housing one of Europe's finest collections of painting and drawings, the Group were particularly keen to see exhibitions of Charles Rennie Mackintosh – Making the Glasgow Style and the Leonardo da Vinci – A Life in Drawing prints.
Julie Haighton, Social Secretary for OPWI explained that it was a fascinating day and went on to talk about the collections with enthusiasm.
Glasgow born Charles Rennie Mackintosh is often referred to as an architectural genius, designer and artist. This exhibition didn't disappoint, it followed the history of Charles (1868 – 1928) and explained how, at the age of 15 he attended classes at the Glasgow School of and later began a 5-year pupillage with the architect John Hutchinson. It was there, he met other designers: Herbert James McNair and sisters Margaret and Frances Macdonald. Charles married Margaret and James married Frances and they became known as the Glasgow Four.
Mackintosh's design work includes the new Glasgow School of Art, The Hill House in Helensburgh and the Willow Tea Rooms in Sauchiehall Street for Miss Catherine Cranson for which he became famous.
He died in London at the age of 60 and his iconic style remains popular today.
Marking the 500th anniversary of the Master's death, the Leonardo da Vinci prints were on loan from the Royal Collection. Born in 1452 in Vinci, near Florence, the illegitimate son of a young lawyer and pheasant girl. There was a selection of prints and paintings on display covering botany, anatomy, animals and also works created by artists linked to Leonardo's life and career.
When he died in France aged 67 he left his prints to a student, Franceso Melzi, who mounted them into albums. The albums eventually were owned by Thomas Howard, the Earl of Arundel who presented them to Charles 11 in 1670 and they then became part of the Royal Collection.
The Mona Lisa, Leda and The Swan are known across the world along with his sculpture and architecture.
By the time the group left, the rain had started but nothing could dampen the spirits of this day.
There are more social events planned so if you are interested just contact julie.haighton@btopenworld.com