Ireland: Art, Literature, and Country Homes with SBMA Curator Charles Wylie and Art Historian Harriet Landseer

Ireland is known for its intriguing history, its hauntingly beautiful landscapes, its literary traditions, and for the wit and spirit of its people. SBMA will be taken behind the scenes into private gardens, libraries, and homes that range from medieval castles to Georgian townhouses. The rich and varied history of Ireland will be brought to life by art historian and tour organizer Harriet Landseer. SBMA’s Curator of Photography and New Media, Charles Wylie, will accompany the tour on behalf of the Museum and will add insight along the way.

The program, already five years in the making at press time, is custom designed for and exclusive to SBMA Members. It is based at the following elegant hotels: The Merrion in Dublin, Ballyfin Desmesne in County Laois, and Glin Castle in County Limerick.

Enjoy the pleasure of Irish hospitality in July when the weather is at its best, allowing one to catch a glimpse of traditional Ireland in the country towns “where one feels the mellowed presence of the past.” (Jan Morris, New York Times). Please join SBMA on this tour that combines the tranquility of country life and the ‘city chic’ of cosmopolitan Dublin.

 

Email travel@sbma.net with questions. 

Tour Guide

Harriet Landseer

Harriet Landseer is a History of Art graduate of Yale College. She lives with her family in Prague (with occasional stints in her native Ireland and Andalucia) and speaks fluent Czech. She initially moved to Prague after graduation to work for Olga Havel, wife of the Czech President. At this point she began travelling in Central and Eastern Europe, and developed a particular interest in the architectural heritage, especially the marvellous Czech country houses, and in 1993 led her first tour – for the Irish Georgian Society. Later she moved to London for several years and led tours all over the world. Since her return to Prague in 2002, she concentrates mainly on Central Europe. In addition to arranging and accompanying tours, she works as a consultant to the Czech National Heritage Institute, and recently undertook the English version of their website and a definitive glossary of terminology as well as their book on Castles and Country Houses (2010). Her many other special interests include the issue of castle restitution to former owners after 1989, contemporary art in Central Europe, Chinoiserie garden pavilions, coffeehouse culture and childrens' book illustration. 

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