PUBLIC LECTURE AT THE CLARK EXPLORES FORTUNY FABRICS

For Immediate Release

March 25, 2013

Williamstown, MA—The free public lecture series, “A Feast for the Eyes: Food, Porcelain, Silver, and Luxury Fabrics,” continues at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute with the lecture “Fortuny Fabrics” by author Brian Coleman on Sunday, April 14 at 3 pm.

Created by Spanish émigré Mariano Fortuny over a century ago in Venice, Fortuny fabrics today remain among the most luxurious and beautiful printed cottons in the world. Coleman, author of Fortuny Interiors, will discuss Fortuny's rich history and heritage.

Coleman calls Fortuny fabrics “the most beautiful, timeless, and unique fabrics in the world.” In this lecture, he visits a palazzo in Venice, a country estate in Provence, a New York City Upper East Side salon, and a Malibu beach house, exploring how the romance and magic of Fortuny is interpreted today. A book signing with the author will follow the lecture.

"A Feast for the Eyes: Food, Porcelain, Silver, and Luxury Fabrics" celebrates sumptuously decorative, yet functional, works of art dating from the Middle Ages to today. The talks highlight the luxury and opulence of decorative art objects and explore their intriguing social contexts.

The Clark’s extensive collection of decorative pieces, including silver and porcelain, are showcased in the Remix galleries as part of the ClarkNOW effort. The “Feast for the Eyes” series is a direct result of the museum’s commitment to looking at decorative arts in new ways.

About the Clark

Set amidst 140 acres in the Berkshires, the Clark is one of the few major art museums that also serves as a leading international center for research and scholarship. The Clark presents public and education programs and organizes groundbreaking exhibitions that advance new scholarship. The Clark’s research and academic programs include an international fellowship program and conferences. Together with Williams College, the Clark sponsors one of the nation’s leading master’s programs in art history. The Clark receives support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

The Clark is located at 225 South Street in Williamstown, Massachusetts. The galleries are open daily in July and August (open Tuesday through Sunday from September through June), 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is $15 June 1 through October 31; free November through May; and free year-round for Clark members, children 18 and younger, and students with valid ID. For more information, visit clarkart.edu or call 413 458 2303.



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Press contact:

Amanda Powers

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