On March 26/27 and April 2/3, art historian Monica Shenouda welcomes visitors for springtime walks at Il Palmerino, including a viewing of the 'Portrait Dialogues' exhibition
This outdoor event spotlights the history of a house that has hosted artists since its construction in 1400. Explore the 'English Colony' connection on the estate that was home to British writer Vernon Lee; from the turn of the last century until 1935, Il Palmerino's international literary salons hosted the likes of Oscar Wilde, Virginia Woolf, Edith Wharton, Henry James, John Singer Sargent and many more. Henry James would call Vernon Lee 'the most able mind in Florence', and Sargent would immortalise her face during a 3-hour portrait session, which resulted in a canvas, now at the Tate, on which he wrote, 'To my friend, Violet'. The memory of these and other personages who stood at the forefront of the arts and literature scene in Florence and London, remain strong at Il Palmerino.
Il Palmerino's garden in late spring, 2021
The tour will also explore the life and works of Federigo Angeli and Lola Costa, the 'painter couple' who purchased the home from the British artist in 1935, and conclude with a viewing of the 'Portrait Dialogues' exhibition where adoptive Oltrarno artists S. Bordley, E. Rogers and L. Chapman - trained at Charles H. Cecil Studios - stand in 'conversation' with female painters of the past.
Portait Dialogues exhibition, "Ruggero" by Emily Rogers, 2021
March 26/27 and April 2/3
Entry times: 3pm and 5pm
Admission 10 euro, light snack included
Guided tours last 1.5 hours circa, in Italian and/or English
Maximum 15 people per group
Reservations required: associazione@palmerino.it
"Where Garden Paths Lead to Paintings" forms part of the 'Oltrarno Gaze 2022' cultural programme, organised by The British Institute of Florence, in collaboration with Il Palmerino Cultural Association, thanks to a grant by Advancing Women Artists Legacy Fund.
The project's aim is to spotlight modern-day art and artisanship from the Florentine district, whilst exploring its connection to historic women artists of the past. The event enjoys the patronage of Consulate of the United States of America in Florence. Communication partners: The Florentine and Calliope Arts / Restoration Conversations