Marc Bolan Memorial: A Commemorative Plaque for the Rock Star Enjoying Caribbean Vacation with Director Francis Ford Coppola; Chronicle of the National Gallery in 25 Images Revealed
In the realm of culture and art, 2021 has been a year of commemoration and recognition. English Heritage, a UK-based organisation dedicated to preserving and promoting England's historic sites and cultural heritage, has honoured several figures for their significant contributions to the arts and literature.
Among those being commemorated this year are Barbara Pym, a renowned novelist, and Alicia Markova, the first British Prima Ballerina, known for her groundbreaking work in ballet. They join the ranks of key members of the Bloomsbury Group, such as artists Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell, and writer Virginia Woolf, who were influential in early 20th-century literature and art.
The book, "The National Gallery: Paintings, People, Portraits," serves as a testament to the enduring power of creativity. This publication offers personal anecdotes, scholarly reflections, and photography, reminding readers that creativity is a dialogue that crosses centuries. The book features contributions from eminent figures such as Frank Auerbach, Damian Lewis, Hannah Rothschild, David Hockney, Sadie Coles, Kim Jones, Rachel Whiteread, Annabelle Selldorf, Mary McCartney, and David Dawson.
Meanwhile, the world of art has seen the release of two separate editions of artworks by Flora Yukhnovich and Chris Ofili, priced at £2,750 each and available for purchase on the Taschen website.
Elsewhere, the property pages have been abuzz with the unveiling of five large mansions, each boasting unique features such as private swimming lakes. Readers can get a glimpse of these 'frankly enormous' mansions here.
In the music world, T. Rex frontman Marc Bolan, known as a 'poet in leather pants', will be remembered with a Blue Plaque this year for launching Glam Rock and reshaping masculinity in the 1970s. Another musical figure to be honoured is Graham Sutherland, known for his Abstract and Surreal works, whose suburban childhood home will also receive a Blue Plaque.
Audrey Hepburn will also receive a Blue Plaque at the Mayfair house where she lived during the filming of Roman Holiday. This commemoration serves as a reminder of her enduring impact on both the silver screen and popular culture.
Looking ahead, 2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Locomotion No 1, the first modern steam locomotive. This milestone will undoubtedly spark a renewed interest in the history of railways and their role in shaping the modern world.
In other news, Francis Ford Coppola, the renowned film director, owns a collection of villas in Belize, including a private island, Coral Caye, which can be rented through onefinestay. The island features two villas, Coral Cottage and Seahorse Cottage, and can sleep up to nine guests.
Lastly, author, engineer, and railway consultant Gareth Dennis made a compelling case on the platform podcast about how railways can save both the countryside and the planet. His insightful discussion underscores the importance of sustainable practices in our modern world.
As we look back on this year, it's clear that the arts and culture continue to thrive, and we eagerly anticipate the exciting developments that 2022 will bring.
[James Fisher, Digital Commissioning Editor of the platform, can be reached at [email protected]. He writes about motoring, travel, and things that upset him. He resides in London.]
- To explore a diverse range of topics in entertainment, one can delve into books such as "The National Gallery: Paintings, People, Portraits," which brings together personal anecdotes, scholarly reflections, and photography.
- The realm of art has seen the release of two separate editions of artworks by Flora Yukhnovich and Chris Ofili, and these pieces can be purchased through the Taschen website.
- In the realm of popular culture, audacious personalities such as Audrey Hepburn and Marc Bolan, the 'poet in leather pants,' have left an indelible impact on film, fashion, and music.
- As we forge ahead into the future, the 200th anniversary of the birth of Locomotion No 1 in 2025 promises to reignite interest in the history of railways and their role in shaping modern civilization.
