Alice Foster presented a fascinating introduction to the collection of wonderful treasures to be found in the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, urging members to allow a twenty-minute time-slot during their next visit to Oxford, to view one or two of these treasures which we in Oxfordshire, so fortunately, have on our doorstep.
The Ashmolean Museum, the earliest public collection of viewable items in Europe, and possibly the world, and begun in 1683 with the donation by Elias Ashmole of a wide range of books and artefacts, including “his rarities collection” a collection actually discovered, saved and cared for by the John Tradescants, botanist father and son duo, from their extensive travels in Europe – John senior and America – John junior.
Alice Foster’s slide show began with portraits of Elias Ashmole and John Tradescant, senior, then proceeded via Bicci de Lorenzo’s depiction of the Angel Gabriel “Rebuking the Storm”; Uccello’s “Hunt in the Forest” – with its umbrella pines; William van Aelst “Still Life with Flowers” – a beautiful depiction of the life of a pink rose; the Pre-Raphaelite collection; William Holman Hunt of the Oxford Movement; Gubbio Majolica to Boudin, who encouraged the young Monet to work outdoors, then on to the many other wonderful objects included in her slide collection. A highly informative and interesting talk and slide show, given by an expert in her particular field, Alice presented a well researched and knowledgeable talk to WI Members on the evening of the hottest day of the year, for the very well attended July evening event; the last meeting of the summer season before the August break.
On behalf of all members, Pauline gave a most enthusiastic vote of thanks to our speaker, Alice Foster, for her excellent presentation promising she would certainly be making time for a twenty-minute visit to Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum on her next visit to the city.
Our WI Meeting opened with the usual business matters and ensuing discussions for future programme events and activities and forthcoming community events, with members supplying details. Pauline gave a half-yearly treasurers report on WI finances, Maureen reported on the Thrupp walk she had organised, all of us laughing at her account of the missing stragglers, eventually recovered, and of the enjoyable walk all experienced and Bernice reported on June’s book group meeting at which Maggie O’Farrell’s book Instructions for a Heatwave was discussed.
Community Events mentioned –
2 Lovely Open Gardens to visit for Katharine House on Sunday, 6th July – at Placketts, Adderbury High Street by kind permission of Dr. David White and at –
17 Twyford Gardens, by kind permission of Jane and David Fletcher with refreshments and a plant sale; opening hours for both gardens 2-6pm and entry tickets for Placketts at £4.00 to include admission to 17 Twyford Gardens.
Adderbury History Association meeting on 3rd Monday of July, for sale of latest History Association publication; copies at £3.00.
Pimms in the Garden at the invitation of FOSMA at The Old Vicarage by kind permission of Sir Peter and Lady Job on Friday, 1st August 6.30pm-9.00pm for a complimentary glass of Pimms or soft drink, canapés, a garden quiz and a tour of the garden. Tickets will be available soon at £10.00 each.
Adderbury Community Food Market on Thursday, 10th July 6-8.30pm at The Institute with Guest Stallholders – Chillies 2 U for their delicious items – as well as the usual great food stalls and a delicious supper cooked and presented by Smart Cookies.
During a delicious break for tea and coffee and homemade cakes, members were asked to list ideas for future fundraising events.