Myths and Magic

In her book The Last Pre-Raphaelite: Edward Burne-Jones
and the Victorian Imagination Fiona MacCarthy
re-evaluates the life of the most admired artist of his generation and explores the links between his susceptibility
to female beauty and his creativity. His painting is renowned for its narrative style of romantic symbolism, steeped in ancient myths, legends and fairy tales. Marina Warner’s Stranger Magic: Charmed States & The Arabian Nights, argues that the famous folk tales opened up a new world of magical thinking and wonder in the West. They discuss the power of stories to enchant. Chaired by Frances Spalding, art historian and biographer, whose latest book is Prunella Clough.

Supported by The Ondaatje Foundation