Textiles, time and other tales on talks programme

How to get Down from a Yak is just one of the intriguing talks on the Arts Society Tring Park 2026 programme.

How to get Down from a Yak: Adventures in Central Asian Nomadic Textiles, will explore houses made from wool that keep warm in the depths of winter, carpets that tell stories, woven bands that appease ancestors, embroideries that ward off evil, and kilim rugs that store kitchenware, with everything ready to be packed and carried on yak or camel at a moment’s notice.

The year will start with the history of London as told through its stained glass. London’s history is fascinating and full of colourful characters, from William Shakespeare to Dick Whittington’s cat, and lecturer Anna Warrilow will gallop through almost 2,000 years of London’s history brilliantly illustrated through the stained glass windows found in the city churches and livery halls.

Other lectures focus on architect Antoni Gaudi, Norse mythology and art, a behind-the-scenes look at organising major museum exhibitions, spin and propaganda in art, and the visual and literary uses of clocks.

The society meets on the second Wednesday of the month (except for August and December) at the Civic Centre, High Street, Berkhamsted, Herts. Lectures start at 10.30am.

For full programme details head to www.theartssocietytringpark.org.uk.