Monthly General Meeting at Crofton Halls

Doors open at 2pm for refreshments until the main meeting starts at 2:30pm

Venice and the British - Martin Heard

Venice is unique. The city of canals, gondolas and iconic monuments its culture and identity is world famous. Today, with more than 20 million visitors a year, it is one of the truly great tourist destinations. Yet the popularity of Venice is no modern phenomenon. Historically the city has been a magnet for travellers wishing to experience its exotic atmosphere, the vices of the flesh and gaming, or the aesthetic virtues of its art, architecture and music. Venice was (and still is), if anything, an experience in which to be immersed, an experience that has been cherished and celebrated by artists, composers, and writers for centuries.

Martin discusses the contribution and involvement in Venice’s cultural history of the British, who have defined much of what is the Venetian experience.