Utamaro Revealed at the Museum of East Asian Art, Bath

I will be at the Museum of East Asian Art in Bath, from 5:30-7:30pm on January 21st 2009, to talk about Utamaro's depictions of real-life Japanese men and women, focusing particularly on his series of ill-fated lovers. These stories of love, revenge and murder became famous amongst the townspeople of Edo after being adapted for the popular stage, but they are not theatrical prints as such as, unlike other artists, Utamaro chose to depict the real-life individuals themselves rather than the actors who played them on stage. Tickets are priced at £5 and you'll need to book at least five days in advance. The venue details are:

Museum of East Asian Art
12 Bennett Street
Bath
BA1 2QJ
Tel: 01225 464640
Fax: 01225 461718
Museum of East Asian Art Web Site

The MEAA is an excellent museum, housing one of the most extensive collections of East Asian art outside London. It is situated in a restored Georgian house, just off The Circus and very close to the Assembly Rooms in central Bath, and is well worth a visit. I lived in Bath for five years, and it was one of my favourite haunts. There is also an excellent gift shop.