Andy McConnell, the Antiques Roadshow’s ‘Glass Man’, is launching his new book, ‘The Decanter, Ancient to Modern’, at a fundraiser for local day care charity, Encompass Care, on Saturday December 8.
The study day/masterclass will held be at Tilling Green Community Centre, Rye. Two morning talks will be followed, after a homemade buffet lunch by a Q&A session with Andy and an appraisal of the glassware brought in on the day. The talk subjects are:
Bottoms Up! The Story of Wine, Its Rituals & Glasses
This light-hearted talk examines the history of wine, an elixir that has sustained much of humanity for almost 10,000 years. Essentially little more than fermented grape juice, this extraordinary and contradictory liquid has caused wars and riots, has helped to broker peace and most commonly, served as an aphrodisiac. It has been personified in the form of Gods and been the principal catalyst in civilised entertaining and dining rituals.
The Genius of René Lalique
This talk is a homage to René Lalique, the 20th century’s greatest glass designer. Lalique’s extraordinary work was unrivalled, combining his unique visual sense with a perfect understanding of glass-making technologies and revolutionary approach to marketing. This talk is a visual feast, covering Lalique’s early work in jewels and furniture before he dedicated the remainder of his life, c1905 – 45, to glass. His output spanned simple, pressed cosmetic pots through car mascots and stemware to the unique cire perdu [lost wax] vases that today can fetch hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Guests could also win a signed copy of Andy McConnell’s new book, ‘The Decanter, Ancient to Modern’ in the raffle. Encompass will receive 100% of all funds raised.
Running from 10:30am to 3pm, tickets (including lunch) are £15 and available from Glass etc, Rope Walk, Rye TN31 7NA or from Grammar School Records, High Street, Rye TN31 7JF or by emailing encompasscarerye@gmail.com.
Image Credits: Andy McConnell .