ROCOCO with Kenneth Park

“Rococo” is an exceptionally ornamental and theatrical style of architecture, art and decoration which combines asymmetry, scrolling curves, gilding, white and pastel colours, sculpted moulding, and trompe-l'œil frescoes to create surprise and the illusion of motion and drama. It is often described as the final expression of the Baroque movement."

The Rococo style emerged in France in the 1730s as a reaction against the more formal and geometric Louis XIV style. It soon spread to other parts of Europe and would influence the other art forms including sculpture, furniture, silverware, glassware, painting, music, and theatre.

KENNETH W PARK has served as Curator of Collections at Wesley College, Melbourne for just on thirty years. This role sees him responsible for the school’s extensive art and archival collections. Kenneth also consults in both the corporate and public sectors in philanthropic fundraising (especially in planned giving) as well as marketing, sponsorship, art, membership / loyalty and public relations.

An avid traveller, tour leader and lecturer, Kenneth works with a range of tourism organisations and travel companies across the globe. He lives by the motto: ‘Life is a grand tour so make the most of it’.

His tertiary studies include political science, administration, museum studies, industrial relations, fine arts, history, and international relations. Kenneth has a passion for travel, food, wine, arts, architecture, history, and good conversation … essentially the good life!

This lecture is presented on-site at TJC. Please see your ticket for details.

This lecture is supported by The Colin Holden Charitable Trust

images supplied |
Juste-Aurèle Meissonnier (French, 1695-1750)
detail of a Table de Cabinet, 6th plate (Study for a Table), pl. 47 in Oeuvre de Juste-Aurele Meissonnier, 1748
etching on paper

interiors of the Salon de la princesse, in the Hôtel de Soubise, Paris

detail of the interior Zwiefalten Abbey (L'église de l'abbaye de Zwiefalten)

Giuseppe Briati (Murano, 1686 - Venice, 1772)
chandelier, (in the Brustolon Room), mid-18^th century
Murano glass
collection of the Ca' Rezzonico, Venice