With its mosaic of cultures, Mexico has long been a magnet for British travellers.  In the nineteenth century, the ‘lost’ rainforest cities of the Maya were revealed by artist Frederick Catherwood and archaeologist Alfred Percival Maudslay.  Eminent twentieth-century literary visitors included D. H. Lawrence and Graham Greene.  Mexico holds an especial fascination for Surrealists.  Edward James created a vast sculpture garden with towering concrete forms, in a subtropical rainforest.

After a spell in an asylum, painter Leonora Carrington found the freedom she needed in Mexico.

In our own century, the photographs of Martin Parr focus on street culture, while the fashion designs of Zandra Rhodes echo the vibrant colours and patterns of modern Mexico.  This will be a fascinating lecture.

About the Lecturer

Chloe Sayer. Freelance specialist in the art and culture of Latin America. Has lectured in the UK, Canada, Ireland, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand. Has curated exhibitions, and assisted on TV documentaries for BBC and Channel 4. Has made collections in Mexico and Belize for the British Museum, and is Research Associate in the Department of World Cultures at the Royal Ontario Museum. In 2016 she was awarded the prestigious Ohtli medal by the Mexican government for her long-standing commitment to Mexican culture. Her many publications include Mexican Textiles (British Museum Press, 1990), Arts and Crafts of Mexico (Thames & Hudson, 1990), Focus on Aztecs and Incas  (Watts Books, 1995), The Incas – The Ancient World (Wayland, 1998), Textiles from Mexico (British Museum Press, 2002), and Mexico: Clothing and Culture (Royal Ontario Museum, 2015). Has also published articles in travel guides, newspapers and magazines.