‘Dollar princesses’ or influential heiresses? A new perspective on Sargent’s American portraits
In the late 19th and early 20th century, glamorous, exciting and often very wealthy American women mingled with the British aristocracy and set the gossip pages alight with rumours of engagements. But alongside this fascination, anti-American sentiment and xenophobia saw them dismissed them as mere ‘dollar princesses’ trading cash for coronets.
This label endured long beyond its time, until historians began to explore the incredible legacies of these women. This summer, a new exhibition at Kenwood in London has brought together Sargent’s paintings of these women and highlighted their power, influence and achievements.
In this episode, Amy Matthews heads to Kenwood meet Dr Wendy Monkhouse and Ella Letort, for a very special tour of Sargent’s magnificent heiresses.
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The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a limited company, no. 07447221, registered in England and Wales.
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A short history of games with Taskmaster’s Alex Horne
This summer, we’ve partnered with TV’s Taskmaster to set you silly challenges as you explore 17 of our sites. So, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to discuss some of the more unusual games and entertainments enjoyed in the past.
In this episode, Amy Matthews is joined by Taskmaster creator Alex Horne and English Heritage curator Peter Moore for some gaming nostalgia, stories of weird and wonderful games from our sites and a selection of Lady Braybrooke’s after-dinner riddles to solve.
Our time starts now!
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Taskmaster at English Heritage: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/taskmaster/
Join: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/join/
Support our work: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/
The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a
limited company, no. 07447221, registered in England and Wales.
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The Black British composer who broke America
One of the first black students at the Royal College of Music in 1890, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor would go on to compose some of the most-loved music of his time and ‘break’ America. Despite this global success, Coleridge-Taylor made his home in Croydon, where a blue plaque now marks his former home at Dagnall Park, Selhurst.
But who was this musical genius?
English Heritage’s Howard Spencer, broadcaster Petroc Trelawney and equity and musicology scholar Joquan Johnson join Amy to share his story. They reveal political, patriotic and powerful themes in Coleridge-Taylor’s music, from collaborations with civil rights campaigners to innovative uses of heritage melodies and rhythms, and how his work is finding new audiences and meanings today.
Don’t forget to follow this podcast and leave a review if you love the show.
Join: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/join/
Support our work: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/
The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a
limited company, no. 07447221, registered in England and Wales.
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‘Princely Shows’ and power: Elizabeth I at Kenilworth Castle
In the summer of 1575, Robert Dudley hosted 19 spectacular days of entertainment for Elizabeth I, including lavish new apartments for the queen, a beautifully manicured private garden, plays, hunting and pageantry.
It was all in an ostentatious bid to win Elizabeth’s hand in marriage, but as she rode off at the end of her visit, Dudley was left empty-handed.
In this episode, Amy Matthews chats with Head Curator of Properties Jeremy Ashbee and Dr Elizabeth Goldring about this royal ‘will-they, won’t they’ and the complex reasons that meant Elizabeth I never chose to share her power with a husband.
Don’t forget to follow this podcast and leave a review if you love the show.
Join: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/join/
Support our work: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us/
The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a
limited company, no. 07447221, registered in England and Wales.
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How 1930s fashion and design shook up a former medieval palace
We begin this episode with a fabulous and weighty pair of brooches. But which 1930s millionaire was sporting these tutti-frutti Cartier gems? And where might you have seen those designs before?
Steven and Virginia Courtauld were a well-balanced couple: one eccentric and daring, the other bookish and reserved. They used their millions to travel the world and host lavish parties, but their art-deco home at Eltham Palace was one of their most glorious achievements. No expense was spared but architects Seely and Paget still divided some opinions in their time.
Today on the English Heritage podcast Amy Matthews chats with curator Sabrina Villani and Andrew Hann to discover the story of these brooches and how the Courtaulds blended the latest living and cutting-edge design with a treasured historic building.
Don’t forget to follow this podcast and leave a review if you love the show.
More about the Eltham Palace Cartier Brooches:
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/eltham-cartier-brooches
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Every object has a story to tell. But how can one mystery item lead us on a journey through history, people and places?
In the English Heritage podcast, comedian and writer Amy Matthews brings you entertaining tales from unexpected places. Each week, we begin with a mystery item and with the help of English Heritage experts and special guests, Amy explores what our past can tell us about our present and perhaps our future.
Follow us wherever you get your podcasts.
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