If the past 3 months in the Oxford bubble have left your cultural nous in a state of unendurable atrophy, fear not. Here’s a handy selection of the best of all things arty this summer – which might just revitalise your aesthetic appreciation.
Houghton Revisited: Masterpieces from the Hermitage
In 1779, the hard-up family of ex-Prime Minister Robert Walpole had to sell his vast assortment of grand masters to Catherine the Great in St Petersburg. Now all 204 have returned to England for the first time and Houghton Hall have painstakingly hung the Van Dycks, Poussins, Rubens and Rembrandts in their exact original positions. This historic re-creation of a superior art collection is definitely worth the trek to Norfolk.
Houghton House, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE31. Until 29th Sept. £8.00
From the earliest drawings to 21st century photographs taken from the Hubble Telescope, the National Maritime Museum has created a spectacular exhibition of our depictions of the cosmos. It includes photos of galaxies at the furthest edges of the universe. If you’re a big thinker, this is for you.
National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London SE10. Until 15th Sept. £7.00
Vermeer and Music: The Art of Love and Leisure
The National Gallery has hung its Dutch paintings of musicians including its small collection of Vermeer’s in collaboration with the Academy of Ancient Music. The exhibition is enhanced 3 days a week by live performances of music from the Dutch Golden Age, challenging the pre-conception that art should be silently revered. Music is the food of love throughout, with highlights such as Vermeer’s The Music Lesson, making this one perfect for a romantic rendezvous.
National Gallery, London, WC2N. Until 8th Sept. £7.00
If for some reason you are drawn back to the dreaming spires during the holidays, venture into the museum whose existence you were guilty of forgetting during term time. The Ashmolean are showing their collection of drawings. Featuring works by Raphael and Michelangelo alongside Anthony Gormley and David Hockney, it gives an intimate insight into the process of creating paintings.
Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, OX1. Until 18th Aug. £4.00
The Springtime in Renaissance: Sculpture and the Arts in Florence 1400-60
A must-see for all of you doing the Grand Tour this vac. This exhibition primarily uses sculpture to provide a comprehensive history of the Renaissance in the city where it all kicked off. Great if you’re a little art-wary since the art in each section is specifically linked to a political, social or religious movement from the time. Information-heavy so load up beforehand on the chocolate cake in the café.
Palazzo Strozzi, Florence. Until 18th Aug. €8.00
One to miss: The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition
Overpriced, over-hyped and distinctly lacking in any talent. Whatsoever.
But if you really can’t be bothered to leave your bedroom take a look at: What Jane Saw
The University of Texas have re-created the retrospective of the academician Sir Joshua Reynolds shown in 1813. Austen saw it during her stay in London that summer, a few months after the publication of Pride and Prejudice. Each painting is accompanied by a detailed analysis and further reading suggestions. Revoltingly geeky. Best thing on this list.
