With a short talk by Courtauld alumna Anna Somers Cocks, Chairman of Venice in Peril

Friday 9 April

6.30 – 8.30 pm

By generous invitation of Mrs Victoria Press, Campo San Toma, Venice

 

On the occasion of the Renaissance Society of America conference in Venice, Italy, we invite Courtauld alumni to come together in the beautiful home of Mrs Victoria Press, who is generously opening her doors to Courtauld graduates who will be coming to Venice from around the world. We are also privileged to have The Honourable Anna Somers Cocks FSA (MA 1973) as our guest speaker for the evening.

 

At approximately 7.00 pm, Anna will speak briefly about her work with Venice in Peril, of which she has been the Chairman since 1999. The Venice in Peril Fund has financed the restoration of more than 40 monuments, churches and works of art in danger of irreversible decay, but over the years it has become clear that Venice presents special challenges beyond the need for restoration. The lagoon is a uniquely complex environmental system, deeply affected by modern life itself: pollution, climate change and economic choices. The water that makes Venice what it is will also kill it unless man is endlessly vigilant and active in its defence. Venice is the "fairy city of the heart”, as Byron said, but can it take 16 million visitors a year and still remain a beautiful experience? And can a tourist city keep its diversity and be tolerable for its inhabitants? Anna will be exploring these and other fascinating topics with our alumni.

 

Do take this chance to come together with your fellow graduates for this entertaining and informative evening. You need not be attending the RSA conference to come to this event.

 

RSVP: Thanks to the generosity of Mrs Victoria Press and the support of Venice in Peril, there is no charge for this event. RSVPs are strictly necessary to Janine.catalano@courtauld.ac.uk by 31 March 2010. Exact directions to the venue will be provided to registrants nearer to the time.