Tag: East India Company

  • Tigers and dragons

    Tigers and dragons

    What connects the histories and cultures of India and Wales?  As it turns out, a complex nexus of links that have intertwined for centuries and continue to do so today.   This is the theme of Tigers and dragons, a truly ambitious exhibition in the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery.  It’s a great visual feast for the…

  • John ‘Walking’ Stewart, an extreme pedestrian

    John ‘Walking’ Stewart, an extreme pedestrian

    In his time Foster Powell was known for mighty feats of pedestrianism.  But his achievements pale in comparison with those of a rather younger contemporary, John ‘Walking’ Stewart (1747-1822).  While Powell’s stage was mainly limited to England and Scotland, Stewart walked over large parts of the globe.  As well as his wanderings he was known…

  • A fruit bat, displayed

    A fruit bat, displayed

    This is one of those important, but well-concealed exhibitions that attracts large numbers of visitors mainly by word of mouth.  When I was there, in the cramped basement of the Wallace Collection last weekend, I was surprised to be sharing the space with many others.  Most of them seemed as smitten as I was by…