The Attingham Study Programme 2023
‘Andrea Palladio, Venice and the Veneto’
September 18-26, 2023
This program considers Palladian architecture, Venetian painting, sculpture, glass, mosaic, books, furnishings and textiles – all so influential for the Neo-Palladian Country Houses of Britain, northern Europe and the USA – taking account of recent research in Venice and Vicenza. The program studies some of the most well-preserved interiors of the private palaces and villas and their conservation in the context of the future preservation of Venice and its lagoon. The course will be based in two centers: the Cini Foundation on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, an academic institution and centre of excellence for scholars in the study of Venice, and in hotel accommodation in Vicenza.
The course will visit the basilica, cloisters and library of the Palladian monastery of San Giorgio and also the Glass Rooms, which aim to support the international importance of the Muranese glassmakers. A day in the lagoon will enable us to learn more of its ecology, upon which the history and future of Venice relies. Further visits will include two glass foundries, including the historic Orsoni furnaces with its astonishing Color Library, which is still producing mosaic tesserae, and the Luigi Bevilacqua Silk velvet weaving looms sited on the Grand Canal.
The course lecturers, experts in the field, will also consider the importance of Venice as a centre of book production, the significance of the system of governance and patronage under its titular head, the Doge; the importance of the Scuole (Guilds) as secular patrons of artistic production; the State Archives and the Ghetto. The program ends in Vicenza where the most significant of the Palladian features of Vicenza include his Teatro Olimpico and the Palazzo Barbarano, now home to the Palladio Museum, while the iconic Villas Almerico Capra (La Rotonda), Foscari (La Malcontenta) and Barbaro (Maser) are among the sites we shall visit.
Enrollment and fees
The cost of the course is $5,500. Participants are strongly advised to ensure against cancellation, as no refunds will be made following payment, unless the place can be filled by another suitable candidate.
This fee includes standard accommodation, breakfast, most lunches and dinners. Tuition, admissions and travel by vaporetto, private boat and private coach during the course are also included. All bedrooms are for single occupancy and have en-suite facilities.
Applications
The deadline for applications is February 12, 2023. All candidates will be notified by the end of March 2023 if they have been awarded a place.
Please note when making your application that this is an intensive and physically strenuous course. There is plenty of walking, standing and climbing stairs and your fitness must be of a level that will not impact on the enjoyment of the group or take up disproportionate amounts of the organizers’ attention. You should have a good level of spoken English. Whilst we are happy to cater for vegetarian and gluten-free needs specialist diets cannot always be accommodated.
The Attingham Study Programme Application Form for US-based Applicants
Deadline: February 12, 2023
Scholarships
In addition to general enrollment, some scholarship assistance is available for qualifying candidates thanks to the generosity of various individuals and charitable organizations.
Any candidate wishing to apply for a scholarship must complete the scholarship application form below. Please follow the instructions on the form to apply for financial assistance.