Dr Robin Schuldenfrei - Cornelian Lecture

We were fortunate to have the Summer Term Cornelian Lecture delivered by Dr Robin Schuldenfrei, Tangen Reader in 20th Century Modernism at the Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London. 

Dr Schuldenfrei spoke on ‘The Bauhaus: Living with Modernism’. She gave a fascinating overview of the impact of this influential German art, craft and architectural design school during the 14 years of its existence before it was closed by the Nazis. Connections to the British Arts & Crafts movement were made clear as well as the subsequent turn towards art and technology in a new unity made by Director Walter Gropius to embrace machine production. She outlined the Bauhaus approach of questioning how to live in a new and modern way and how to deal with modern problems. 

Many of the images shown were taken by Dr Schuldenfrei two years ago when she stayed in one of the Master’s Houses at Bauhaus Dessau as part of an Artist in Residence programme on this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The abstracted shadows and reflections of walls and windows provided inspiring evidence of ‘Living with Modernism’. This was a most enjoyable and informative lecture as shown by the many questions from students and staff at the end. Dr Schuldenfrei recommended the Bauhaus Dessau as an easy train ride from Berlin with accommodation available in the former studios, an idea which I suspect several in the audience will follow up. To wach the lecture, click the link below.

Cornelian Lecture - Dr Robin Schuldenfrei