Art and Museums
Mary Leiter, A Downton Abbey Historical Inspiration
Recovering from the last episode of Downton Abbey's Season Two, leads us to thank Julian Fellowes for his generosity in sharing an inspiration for his series: To Marry an English Lord. And just who was his inspiration for Lady Cora? more »
Beyond Words: The Symbolic Language of Plants
In the ancient world, Roman artists used roses to represent Venus, the goddess of love; Egyptian art connected the lily to Isis, the goddess of fertility; and Asian art included lotus flowers to convey beauty. more »
The Look of Love: Eye Miniatures Jewelry in Birmingham
Clandestine lovers exchanged these customized tokens depicting one another's eyes, as such a feature might only be recognized by persons of the most intimate familiarity. Behind the skilled artistry with which each of these tiny portraits was painted, lie the enchanting stories of secret romance and love lost more »
Fleur Cowles The Flower Game: What Ten Flowers Would You Take to a Lonely Island?
Actress Candice Bergen’s list included wisteria and night-blooming jasmine, and she elaborated on her selections: “Flowers to see and smell — by day and night — that bloom underfoot and hang overhead, plus a few insect escorts — butterflies and caterpillars, the odd ladybug — for company” more »