The Magnificent Maya: Fact and Fantasy

The next meeting of the Arts Society South West London

On the 12 March, leading archaeologist Diana Davies, will be discussing 'The Magnificent Maya: Fact and Fantasy'. The Maya created one of the most sophisticated civilisations in the ancient world. Their achievements in the arts and sciences make them one of the most remarkable cultural groups in the pre-Columbian Americas. The lecture will discuss the major achievement of the Maya, as well as pointing out the common misunderstandings we have of them.

Photo: Maya statue/FA2010 (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.

Diana Davies is a Maya archaeologist and honorary research associate at the Institute of Archaeology, University College London. She lectures to a variety of organisations, including the Historical Association, and is an educational consultant giving workshops to both teachers and students. She is Chair of Coke Education, a charity supporting the education of Maya children.

The South West London branch which has been running for over 40 years has a strong active membership but welcomes visitors to its monthly lectures on the second Monday of the month at Dryburgh Hall, Putney Leisure Centre.  The group is affiliated to the the Arts Society, which has recently changed its name from the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies (NADFAS). Their objective, through lectures and visits, is to broaden our knowledge and appreciation of the decorative and fine arts.

2018

12 March
The Magnificent Maya: Fact and Fantasy
Lecturer: Diana Davies

14 May
The Wallace and Frick Collections and their Connection with Knole
Lecturer: Hilary Williams

11 June
Dazzle: Disguise and Disruption in War and Art
Lecturer: James Taylor

9 July
Plants in Art: Carl Linnaeus
Lecturer: Mark Spencer

10 September
MacDonald Gill, Architect, Artist and Mapmaker
Lecturer: Caroline Walker.

8 October
Zaha Hadid: Architectural Superstar
Lecturer: Colin Davies

12 November
World War I: Poetry, Art and Music, Wilfred Owen and his Contemporaries
Lecturer: Dennis Moriarty

10 December
Celebrating the Royal Academy of Arts: 250th Anniversary, 1768-2018
Lecturer: Pamela Campbell-Johnston