A Garden like no other: Edward James & Las Pozas – Arts Society West Sussex

6 JULY 2021

2.00pm – 3.00pm

In the depths of the Mexican jungle lies an enchanted valley in which strange ruins tower over waterfalls and pools. It seems like the remains of a lost civilisation, but the arches and stairways were built only in the last century by Edward James, a rich English eccentric and Surrealist. Ranging around the world and across the 20th century, this colourful lecture tells the story of Edward James and Las Pozas, introducing along the way an array of intriguing characters, and exploring the wider theme of the modern artist-gardener.

Having studied History at Pembroke College, Cambridge, James Russell enjoyed a lengthy stint selling contemporary paintings and sculpture in Santa Fe, New Mexico, an experience that inspired him to begin writing and lecturing on 20th century art. Of his dozen or so books, one was a Sunday Times book of the year, while his writing has been described by critics as ‘insightful’, ‘informative’ and ‘enjoyably readable’. The curator of two major exhibitions at Dulwich Picture Gallery, James has lectured across Britain and beyond. He prefers to lecture without notes, drawing on wide-ranging original research, and on in-depth knowledge of the subjects that fascinate him.

Whilst Covid-19 restrictions are in force our Talks will be delivered via Zoom at our usual meeting time, that is to say, at 2:00pm on the 1st Tuesday of the Month. We will email all members with the link to join these Talks in the week before they are due to take place. Visitors are welcome to join these Talks for the normal visitors fee of £5 per Talk, if you wish to join as a visitor please lets us know using the Contact Us form.