Charles Dickens — with a TWIST
Mary Knights, Senior Curator of Art, will give an overview of TMAG’s exhibition, TWIST, which explores Dickensian themes with a contemporary and quirky twist. Dickens enchanted readers with irrepressible characters while exploring issues such as crime and punishment, the dire impact of poverty on women and children and the grim conditions in public institutions such as orphanages, prisons and workhouses. He was as fascinated by the people and social interactions in far-flung colonies as he was in those of the dirty streets of London. TWIST brings together new artworks by contemporary artists along with art and artefacts from TMAG Collections to engage with Dickensian concerns that resonate with Australia’s colonial past.
Our special guest Walter Mason will give a light-hearted and fascinating look at the youthful folly that marked Dickens’ triumphant debut as one of England’s great and celebrated writers. He will describe how The Pickwick Papers helped set the scene for the extraordinary literary career of the most popular novelist of the Victorian era, and the unexpected delight of reading the book in the 21st century.
Walter Mason is the vice-president of the NSW Dickens Society, a captivating speaker, and a well-known travel writer. He regularly speaks at international festivals and conferences and gives guest lectures on literary subjects including E. F. Benson, Noel Coward and the travel writer H. V. Morton.
Members $20, Non members $30, includes refreshments.
NOTE regarding online bookings: Attendees sometimes report difficulties booking as a member or member couple. You need to log in before making the booking and then those options will be available to you. And as an added bonus, you then won't need to answer pesky questions about whether you are a robot.
