La Belle Epoque / Brazilian Art, London, Sep 2017
In the 1990s I used to have to make regular visits to a bank (a branch of Bank of Scotland) in Cockspur Street, near Trafalgar Square. I never minded if there was a wait because it gave time to take in the finely detailed interior décor, presumably from the early 20th century.
In time, the branch closed and stood empty for a number of years: whenever I passed it I'd look through the grimy windows, wondering if I'd ever have another chance to see inside.
In September 2017, such an opportunity presented itself when I saw the door open and a sign announcing a display of Brazilian art and design.
It was great to once again see (and this time photograph) some of the painted plaster panels, and also see some of the current day art being exhibited.
Apparently, the building has been taken over now by the Brazilian Embassy, hence the Brazil connection. I learned too the reason why many of the painted panels were travel-related: the building had originally been a booking office for P&O, as evidenced by their logo being featured here and there.
Artists with works in the exhibition included Luiz Miranda and his daughter Julia Miranda, and Gisela Bentes Simas.
La Belle Epoque / Brazilian Art, London, Sep 2017
In the 1990s I used to have to make regular visits to a bank (a branch of Bank of Scotland) in Cockspur Street, near Trafalgar Square. I never minded if there was a wait because it gave time to take in the finely detailed interior décor, presumably from the early 20th century.
In time, the branch closed and stood empty for a number of years: whenever I passed it I'd look through the grimy windows, wondering if I'd ever have another chance to see inside.
In September 2017, such an opportunity presented itself when I saw the door open and a sign announcing a display of Brazilian art and design.
It was great to once again see (and this time photograph) some of the painted plaster panels, and also see some of the current day art being exhibited.
Apparently, the building has been taken over now by the Brazilian Embassy, hence the Brazil connection. I learned too the reason why many of the painted panels were travel-related: the building had originally been a booking office for P&O, as evidenced by their logo being featured here and there.
Artists with works in the exhibition included Luiz Miranda and his daughter Julia Miranda, and Gisela Bentes Simas.