Saturday 27 March 2010

At the Fitzwilliam



Yesterday was a lovely day, spent at the Fitzwilliam Museum with my friend L who lives near Cambridge. We saw the exhibition of Netsuke: tiny, exquisite, curly-whirly genius in every piece. Some of the figures reminded me fiercely of Michael. The newly refurbished Greek and Roman galleries are coolly organised and spacious and a joy to wander in. A selection of Sargent, Sickert and Spencer had much that was no more than pleasant (or unpleasant in Spencer's case), but the luminous clarity of a couple of portraits - including the one here - and one architectural study by John Singer Sargent continues to glow in my head.

Passing between galleries, as rain alternated with sunshine and provided some nice lighting effects, we took in the Sculpture Promenade in the museum's front garden. Some pieces currently displayed work exceptionally well there. The one in the foreground above is by Rob Ward.  More of these, and some other quick glimpses of Cambridge (no photography allowed inside the museum, alas) in my small photoset.

6 comments:

Zhoen said...

Add to list, "visit Cambridge."

Thank you.

marja-leena said...

Wonderful photos, Jean, you are a master of reflections! And yes, I thought the same as Zhoen, with another visit to the UK!

Dale said...

Oh, that's quite wonderful!

Anonymous said...

Hello Jean -- I was touched to come across your mention of my brother Michael. His 48th birthday would have been this week, just a couple of days before you saw the Netsuke exhibit. This year is the Year of the Tiger, Michael's zodiac sign. He had hope to return to Japan to celebrate. It is a comfort to know that his spirit is still alive to so many people. Thank you. Valerie

Natalie said...

Fabulous photo - I love this reflections series of yours.

Unknown said...

Ooh, I'm going here tomorrow to see my friend - thankyou for the tips!