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England's Lake District with Sue King

England's Lake District with Sue King


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

The beautiful Lake District of northwest England has been shaped by its complex geology and the activities of its human inhabitants and visitors. The diverse landscape of imposing natural landforms has inspired poets, writers, and painters, some of whom played a part in the birth of a global conservation movement. In this seminar, we shall explore the natural and human forces that have shaped this conserved landscape as we virtually visit this stunning part of the world. This conversation seeks aims to expose both its beauty and history.
In 1951 the Lake District, a mountainous area in NW England close to the Scottish border, was designated a National Park which affords it the highest level of landscape protection. In 2017 this National Park area of 912 square miles was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding universal value. The narrow, glaciated valleys of the area, with their steep hillsides and slender lakes, have extraordinary beauty and harmony. The landscape has been shaped by continuing pastoral agriculture based on local breeds of sheep and led to the creation of stone-walled fields and rugged farm buildings built of local stone.
The beauty of the area attracted visitors from the eighteenth century onwards. Picturesque and romantic interest stimulated globally-significant social and cultural forces to appreciate and protect scenic landscapes. Among those who were prime movers in the movement to protect the natural landscape from inappropriate development were the poet William Wordsworth, the children’s writer, Beatrix Potter, and the founders of England’s National Trust which owns a substantial part of this National Parkland, and many of the historic properties in the area. The development of the National Trust movement spread across many countries with a similar rights system.
We’ll learn how the combined work of nature and human activity has produced a harmonious landscape in which the mountains are mirrored in the lakes. Grand houses, gardens, and parks have been purposefully created to enhance the landscape’s beauty and many of these are open to visitors. In this seminar, we shall explore the thirteen valleys of the area. We shall discuss some of the artists and writers who celebrated this landscape in paintings, drawings, and words. They inspired an awareness of the importance of beautiful landscapes which triggered early efforts to preserve them. We will have time to make mention of the many places and buildings with artistic associations to be explored. Those early artists and writers walked through the landscape, climbed the hills in search of scenic views, and enjoyed the recreational value of the lakes. These are activities that visitors enjoy today, and you might be inspired to come and follow in their footsteps. Visitors can stay in a vast variety of accommodation from lakeside hotels to a farmhouse once owned by Beatrix Potter, or even in a tent for those intrepid visitors would who like to go wild camping on the fells.
Led by Sue King, an expert Blue Badge Guide for Cumbria (and many other areas of England), this interactive seminar will explore the inspirational Lake District of England. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased knowledge of the natural and human forces which have shaped the landscape which has inspired the work of poets, artists, and writers.

Sue King was born a Londoner and has lived in several other cities including Seoul, Berlin, and Washington DC. Since returning to London, she has spent the last three years studying its art, architecture, literature, and history. Sue holds a research MPhil in History of Art from the Barber Institute, Birmingham University and has specialist knowledge of Victorian Britain through her study of its painting and literature. Her thesis, on symbolism in Victorian Art, focused on the work of the Pre-Raphaelites and she has also made studies in 20th Century American art. Sue is fascinated by London's history and is most interested in the artists and writers who have helped to define it. She loves to recount stories of their lives and works, and their connections with each other and the city.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 19 reviews
68%
(13)
21%
(4)
11%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
S
S. (Minneapolis, US)
Excellent Program

Beautiful photos and a wealth of information!

E
E. (Dallas, US)
Delightful!

What a wonderful tour of the Lake District. Extremely informative with great photos and descriptions - every slide was packed with relevant info. I can't wait to visit.

J
J.E. (Mainz, DE)
Very interesting

A good comprehensive overview of the Lake District with lots of information. Sue has a very pleasant speaking voice.

C
Chris Butler (Somerville, US)
Great opportunity

This was a terrific overview of the geological formation and the history and culture of the lake Districts. It was a wonderful introduction to a beautiful area of the UK. Sue is open, amiable and well informed. Sh.

A
Anonymous (New York, US)

Excellent presentation of the history and geology, with wonderful photos.

Customer Reviews

Based on 19 reviews
68%
(13)
21%
(4)
11%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
S
S. (Minneapolis, US)
Excellent Program

Beautiful photos and a wealth of information!

E
E. (Dallas, US)
Delightful!

What a wonderful tour of the Lake District. Extremely informative with great photos and descriptions - every slide was packed with relevant info. I can't wait to visit.

J
J.E. (Mainz, DE)
Very interesting

A good comprehensive overview of the Lake District with lots of information. Sue has a very pleasant speaking voice.

C
Chris Butler (Somerville, US)
Great opportunity

This was a terrific overview of the geological formation and the history and culture of the lake Districts. It was a wonderful introduction to a beautiful area of the UK. Sue is open, amiable and well informed. Sh.

A
Anonymous (New York, US)

Excellent presentation of the history and geology, with wonderful photos.