The Barber in London

The Barber in London: 
Highlights from a remarkable collection 
at The Courtauld 
until 28 June 

The Barber Institute, part of the University of Birmingham, has one of the Nation’s best collections of Old Master paintings. Although not the largest, every example can be counted among the best of its genre, or by that artist. The building in which the works are usually exhibited is currently being refurbished, but rather than putting all of the paintings into storage, some are currently on view in London, at The Courtauld. While they are there, it would be so much easier for so many of you to get to see them. As an introduction, in case you can go, or to make up for it if you can’t, I will talk about this refined selection in as much depth as possible given the time available.
 
The loan was only supposed to last until the end of February, but now that it has been extended for another four months, I finally have the opportunity to take a proper look. The artists include (in chronological order!) Bellini, Hals, Reynolds, Vigée Le Brun, Turner, Rossetti, Whistler, Degas, and Monet - any one of whom would be worth an outing in their own right! 

Please remember, I do not record my talks.