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Origins and Echoes: Medieval British Architecture from the 11th to the 20th Century

Presented by: Curt DiCamillo

Live Broadcast: December 20, 2024 

Running Time: 01:28:20

 

The term "Medieval style" conjures visions of fortified castles, elaborate stone carvings, and pointed arches. From the austerity of 11th-century Norman architecture to the exotic Gothic style, introduced in the 12th century and based on Islamic buildings, to the exuberant English Renaissance style, which included the famous Prodigy houses built during the reign of Elizabeth I, to the 18th and 19th centuries and their fascination with the Medieval Revival style, Medieval design has evolved and adapted over 900 years. Join Curator of Special Collections Curt DiCamillo for an exploration of Medieval architecture and furnishings in British country houses across the centuries.

About the Speaker

Curt DiCamillo, who joined American Ancestors in February of 2016 as the organization’s first Curator of Special Collections, is an internationally recognized authority on British historic houses and the decorative arts (his award-winning website on British country houses can be found here: TheDiCamillo.com). Before coming to American Ancestors, Curt was the Executive Director of The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA, where he successfully raised more than $7 million and initiated many innovative programs. As Curator of Special Collections, he provides strategic direction for organizing and exhibiting our extensive collection of fine art and family history-related artifacts, leads the Society’s Heritage Tours, and provides educational outreach through American Ancestors' extensive webinar series. In recognition of his work, Curt has been presented to the late Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and The Prince of Wales. He is an alumnus of the Royal Collection Studies program, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and a member of the Council of the American Museum in Britain. Curt’s book, Villa Astor: Paradise Restored on the Amalfi Coast, was published in 2017 by Flammarion. He is also the brother of the award-winning author Kate DiCamillo, something of which he’s extraordinarily proud.

Other Resources

Curt DiCamillo's Country House Database

Pronunciation Guide

Historic Houses Website