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plowdensmith.bsky.social

@plowdensmith.bsky.social
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Did Kew Gardens' Henry Moore: Monumental Nature whet your appetite for more Moore? At Kew Wakehurst in Sussex the show continues with "Henry Moore and more" a presentation of four more Moore bronzes alongside three contemporary commissions. www.kew.org/wakehurst/whats-on/henr…
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
We had the pleasure of working with two Portland Stone plinths for a private client this year. The smooth limestone took carved letters beautifully. We hope the Isle retains its Royal Warrant held since Charles II granted the warrant in 1660. ft.pressreader.com/article/28156088…
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
The Plum Pudding in Danger by James Gillray is just one of the collection of 10,000 prints, amassed by the late collector Andrew Edmunds, to be presented at Frieze Masters in October www.antiquestradegazette.com/news/2…
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Immensely grateful today for museum-grade climate control in our studios today. Remember museums and galleries are cool spaces in more ways than one 😎 ❄️
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Happy Summer Solstice! This time of year we always think of Stonehenge where we manufactured and installed mounts for the permanent and temporary galleries. The inclusion of Human Skeletons within the display gave us the insight to treat the remains of our ancestors with respect and compassion.
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Exhibition Recommendation: Classic Art London opens next week 22nd June - 4th July across St James's. Pick your route through the capital's finest galleries and dealers. What shows are on your list? www.classicartlondon.uk/planning-yo…
classicartlondon.uk
Classic Art London
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Sad news today, David Hockney died at 88. Celebrated worldwide, he leaves an incredible legacy in his work. www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c4...
bbc.co.uk
Celebrated British artist David Hockney dies aged 88
The painter's style was one of the most recognisable in the modern era.
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Our pick of the week is an easily missed display at Hever Castle: Found behind the gift shop in 1/12th scale, crafted by English miniaturist furniture maker John J. Hodgson, are Hever Castle's historic interiors through the ages. www.hevercastle.co.uk/visit/things-…
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
When this contemporary ceramic vessel arrived at the studio, its future was uncertain. Our client's email simply asked: "Any Miracles Possible?" While restoration is never magic, expertise, patience, and attention to detail can achieve remarkable results. Swipe to see the vessel before and after.
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
It's lovely to have a project we can talk about while it is happening: Our furniture conservation team has been hard at work on the Courtroom No. 2 dock where Oscar Wilde stood to hear his charges in 1895. Come to the Museum Late on 19th June to find out more: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/museum-lat...
eventbrite.co.uk
MUSEUM LATE: Pride, Protest, & Preserving Our History
Join us this June for a late museum opening to celebrate Pride Month.
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Reposted by @plowdensmith.bsky.social
Bow Street Museum @bowstreetmuseum.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
It's #MuseumWeek Today's prompt is #IfObjectsCouldSpeakMW. With the social history of our building there are so many objects we could have chosen but the stories we're yet to uncover about the Dock from Court No.2 might be the most enlightening yet. We'll be sharing more behind the scenes shots soon
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Finally a headline we can all get behind: Regularly engaging in the arts makes you younger. That brightened up the Today programme no end. Great reporting from Pallab Ghosh and Prof. Daisy Fancourt www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0nkmx2v Wellcome Trust
bbc.co.uk
Regular arts as good at slowing ageing as gentle exercise - study - BBC Sounds
Scientists say arts engagement may help slow ageing by reducing stress and inflammation.
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
First Chiswick Auctions in Feb now Ardingly last week, the Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team are bring kept busy by the antiques and militaria trade. www.antiquestradegazette.com/news/2…
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
Wonderful to see Heritage crafts and skills celebrated in The Times last week, it is so important that heritage skills at risk are being highlighted. www.thetimes.com/article/527416e1-b…
thetimes.com
London’s historic sites face ruin as specialist skills dwindle
The capital’s heritage buildings — 600 of which are in urgent need of restoration — are kept from disrepair by an ever-shrinking pool of master craftspeople
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Our Senior Ceramics Conservator Madeleine has been part of our conservation team for 20 years today! Madeleine has a wealth of expertise which extends to work on stone and enamel with flawless results. Congrats Mads! plowden-smith.com/restoration-conse…
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Reposted by @plowdensmith.bsky.social
RCP museum @rcpmuseum.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
We were excited recently to be able to visit conservator & mount makers @plowdensmith.bsky.social who are creating a new base & undertaking specialist conservation treatment of a bronze head of Alexander Fleming sculpted in c.1955 by artist Frank Kovacs in the @rcphysicians.bsky.social collection.
Side view of the Alexander Fleming bust by Frank Kovacs while a conservator applies wax.
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
Our exhibition recommendation of the week is Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art, which has just opened at the V & A South Kensington. Tickets for this exhibition are already fully booked for the next month, so be sure to book in advance. www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/schiapare…
vam.ac.uk
Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art - Exhibition at V&A South Kensington · V&A
This exhibition traces the history, impact and continuing influence of one of the 20th century’s most innovative fashion creatives, Elsa Schiaparelli.
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
Our Easter holiday recommendation is the Britten Pears sculpture park at Snape Maltings in Suffolk. A highlight of the visit is this Barbara Hepworth series of sculptures, The Family of Man (1970).
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
As Easter is approaching, we want to share a restoration project that we are honoured to have completed for St. Winefride Church in Wimbledon, not far from our studios. This outdoor wooden crucifix is situated atop the church's WWI memorial, tiled forecourt, and surrounding mound.
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
Happy Easter break!🐇🐣 Please note that our offices, studios, and workshops will be closed for Easter holidays on Good Friday and on Easter Monday, 3rd April - 6th April.
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
Spanish painter and printmaker Francisco Goya was born on this day in 1746. Goya's work embodies the Romanticism through which he reflected political turmoil. A Picnic, 1785-90 is currently on display in The National Gallery. www.nationalgallery.org.uk/painting…
nationalgallery.org.uk
Francisco de Goya | A Picnic | NG1471 | National Gallery, London
View: Francisco de Goya, A Picnic. Read about this painting, learn the key facts and zoom in to discover more.
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
Born on this day in 1853, Vincent Van Gogh is among the most famous figures in the history of Post-Impressionist art. His renowned Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear is currently on display at The Courtauld Gallery. courtauld.ac.uk/highlights/self-por…
courtauld.ac.uk
Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear
Discover Vincent van Gogh's famous painting Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear at The Courtauld Gallery, based at Somerset House in central London.
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
Rose Wylie has become the first female painter to have a solo exhibition in the main galleries of the Royal Academy. The exhibition is open until 19th April. www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/…
royalacademy.org.uk
Rose Wylie | Royal Academy of Arts
Meet the rebel painter of the British art world.
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
Our exhibition recommendation of the week is Eduardo Paolozzi's pop art showcase, General Dynamic F.U.N, now on display at the Usher Gallery. The exhibition is free to visit, full of colour, and open until 7 June 2026. www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cg7el12…
bbc.co.uk
Paolozzi's pioneering pop art on show at Usher Gallery in Lincoln
General Dynamic F.U.N includes works produced by the Edinburgh-born artist between 1965 and 1970.
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
After spending decades overlooked and forgotten in the museum's attic, Georges de La Tour's 17th century painting The Dice Players has finally returned to the spotlight. The artwork went back on display this week at Preston Park Museum in Stockton. www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwyx4dd…
bbc.co.uk
Stockton museum artwork hidden in attic for years back on display
The Dice Players is considered the most internationally celebrated artwork at Preston Park Museum.
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
A new Keith Haring exhibit has opened at the Moco Museum, but where are his iconic vibrant colours? Thirty of his black-and-white drawings are now on view. The exhibit will be open through June 2026. Access the link below to learn more: www.mocomuseum.com/news/london/keit…
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
Born on this day in 1599, Anthony van Dyck was the most important Flemish painter of the 1600s and is celebrated for his mythological pictures. Cupid and Psyche, 1640, accompanied by his other works, is on display at The National Gallery. www.nationalgallery.org.uk/artists/…
nationalgallery.org.uk
Anthony van Dyck (1599 - 1641) | National Gallery, London
Van Dyck was the most important Flemish painter of the 17th century after Rubens, whose works influenced the young Van Dyck. He also studied and was profoundly influenced by the work of Italian artists, above all, Titian. Van Dyck was an extremely successful portraitist and painter of religious and…
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
Japanese contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama was born on this day in 1929. Kusama's solo exhibition is no longer on view in London, but her infinity mirror room installations are now on display at the Museum Ludwig until August 2, 2026. www.museum-ludwig.de/en/home/exhibi…
museum-ludwig.de
Yayoi Kusama at Museum Ludwig
To mark its fiftieth anniversary, the Museum Ludwig in Cologne is dedicating a major exhibition to the Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama in 2026. Kusama (*1929, Matsumoto) is one of the most renowned artists of our time. Her iconic polka dots, pumpkin sculptures, and Infinity Mirror Rooms have become a kind of trademark, appearing millions of times over on social media. The exhibition takes visitors on a fascinating journey through Kusama’s entire oeuvre, from her first drawing, dating back to ca.1934, to a newly commissioned installation. More than three hundred works will be featured,...
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
Will street art become the historic works of the future? Community members of Stanley, County Durham, have claimed that the new public art in their town has brightened the area and brought some 'much needed vibrancy.' Read more below: www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgrz7rg…
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
On international Happiness Day, here is a reminder that art is more than its commercial value. Explore more about the impact of art on our wellbeing: www.theartnewspaper.com/2026/03/13/…
theartnewspaper.com
Not just dollars, euros and pounds: Tefaf speaker sets out art’s deep value for wellbeing
The Tefaf Summit during the fair in Maastricht explores the impact of art beyond economics, and how culture’s role in public policy can be rethought
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
Good news for the art world: after two consecutive years of decline, the global art market is showing signs of recovery. See the following Art Basel and UBS Art Market Report for more information: www.theartnewspaper.com/2026/03/12/…
theartnewspaper.com
Global art sales grew 4% in 2025 but remain below pre-pandemic levels, Art Basel and UBS report finds
Political volatility and mounting operational costs weigh heavily on the trade, which ticked up to an estimated $59.6bn in 2025 after two years of decline
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Following 2 years of study, researchers at the Rijksmuseum have demonstrated that the painting Vision of Zacharias in the Temple (1633) is a Rembrandt. The museum found that the paints, technique and wooden panel all confirm the date and authenticity. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Rembrandt's Vision of Zacharias in the Temple rediscovered after 65 years
The painting, created by the Dutch master in 1633, had disappeared after being sold in 1961.
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Polished steel surfaces, incorporation of industrial elements, choosing welding over casting. These elements and more from David Smith's work all foreshadowed styles recognisable in sculpture today. www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks... #ArtistBirthday #Sculpture
tate.org.uk
‘Home of the Welder‘, David Smith, 1945 | Tate
‘Home of the Welder‘, David Smith, 1945 on display at Tate Modern.
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
Explore Tracey Emin's raw approach to artistic exploration in her exhibition 'A Second Life,' at Tate Modern. This exhibition showcases Emin's standout works, as well as projects never exhibited before, that challenge artistic boundaries. www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-moder…
tate.org.uk
Tracey Emin | Tate Modern
Now booking Tate Modern Exhibition Tracey Emin A Second Life 27 Feb 2026 – 31 Aug 2026 Free for Members Book tickets Become a Member Tracey Emin My Bed 1998 © Tracey Emin. Photo credit: Courtesy The Saatchi Gallery, London / Photograph by Prudence Cuming Associates Ltd Audio guide Exhibition with lu…
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Take a break from the day and stop by the V&A to see Dr Claire Lemesle-Joly's Lunchtime Lecture, which will focus on the influence of animals and animal imagery in the museum's collections. 5th March 2026, 13.00 - 14.00 www.vam.ac.uk/event/1pXr1M41Jq9/lun…
vam.ac.uk
Lunchtime Lectures: Animals in the V&A Collections - V&A Academy Talk at V&A South Kensington · V&A
This event is part of the free lunchtime lecture series. No booking is required.
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Searching for a deeper dive into the Theatre Picasso exhibition currently open at Tate Modern? Join writer and exhibition co-curator Enrique Fuenteblanca for an exploration of Picasso's 'The Three Dancers.' www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-moder…
tate.org.uk
Picasso's 'The Three Dancers' | Tate Modern
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
An exhibition tip not far from our studios, Alastair Gordon, artist in residence at the Wimbledon Museum, reimagines the treasures of the Museum in exquisitely detailed paintings. Objects of Enchantment until 29th March. wimbledonsociety.org.uk/museum
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
How much does an artist's style change over time? These three Renoir works show distinctly varied approaches of the famous impressionist born this day in 1841: A Road in Louveciennes, 1870 Sea & Cliffs, 1885 In the Meadow, 1888-1892 All Images are from the Met Museum collection.
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Although chrome yellow pigments initially provide a bright colour, unfortunately they fade and darken over time. The Van Gogh Museum therefore now displays their painting under relatively low lighting. www.theartnewspaper.com/2026/02/20/…
theartnewspaper.com
Why yellow was Van Gogh's favourite colour
“Sunflowers” is the star of an Amsterdam exhibition exploring the use of the colour yellow by Van Gogh and a range of artists
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
Silver has been prized for millennia. Yet throughout history, vast quantities of historic silverware has been lost. Find out how the volatility of silver pricing can put historic craftsmanship at risk. plowden-smith.com/the-rising-price-…
plowden-smith.com
The Rising Price of Silver : The Value and Survival of Historic Silverware
Significant amounts of Georgian silver were destroyed quietly and irreversibly. Silver value is rising again, what does this mean for historic silverware?
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
Don't keep your medal in a sock. Our bespoke mounts are not just for artworks. We've mounted tennis rackets, medals, wine bottles, F1 Cars & more. If you have a treasured trophy or a whole collection, treat it to a bespoke mount plowden-smith.com/museum-services/m… #WinterOlympics
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Exhibition Recommendation Gwen John:Strange Beauties on until 28 June after which it will tour internationally. Creative Director Jonathan Anderson has collaborated with Cardiff National Museum, creating a series of cornettes shown with the exhibition www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqj2ny0…
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
Contemporary Artist Gerhard Richter was born this day in 1932. The 94-year-old is currently the subject of a major retrospective at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris. www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr/en/eve…
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
Waldemar JANUSZCZAK has spotted the rise of spookiness in art before and has done so again with Hoi Polloi, at the Brown Collection, London until Aug 8 www.thetimes.com/article/79dfd101-9…
thetimes.com
You won’t believe art’s spooky new age of weirdness
The spirit of Hieronymus Bosch is conjured in a witches’ coven of a show at Brown Collection, run by a shadowy painter whose works sell for millions
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
We are delighted to be showing at the Listed Property Show, Stand C19 we have live demos from our furniture department and heaps of info on how we can help to preserve your historic interior woodwork, stone, lighting and artworks. www.lpoc.co.uk/the-listed-property-…
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Reposted by @plowdensmith.bsky.social
Dr Theresa Oakley @archaetexts.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
So pleased to see this! Martin Froy’s work is so fantastic. I’ve seen his murals @belgradetheatre.bsky.social #Coventry Just stunningly beautiful! @aaronjlaw.bsky.social
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
Congratulations to Morley College London on the official re-opening of the Emma Cons Hall. We preserved the two 58-foot-long Martin Froy murals which run the full length of the the hall and will accompany Morley students' performances and rehearsals into the future.
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
Beryl Cook: Pride & Joy opens at The Box, Plymouth, on Saturday. Rachell Campbell-Johnston explains why her work deserves a closer look in The Times & Sunday Times www.thetimes.com/article/0528186d-5…
thetimes.com
The artist Beryl Cook was hated by critics — now she’s having her moment
The art world scorned the seaside landlady turned self-taught painter who became one of our most popular artists. A century after her birth, she is finally being taken seriously
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
What exhibitions are on your radar? This show at the British Museum is now on our must see list thanks to JANUSZCZAK for featuring it in The Times & Sunday Times www.thetimes.com/article/175e431f-8…
thetimes.com
The flag that reminds us what Hawaii might have been
Look at the Union Jack sitting atop Hawaii’s official flag — this British Museum exhibition celebrates its culture before it was subsumed by America
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plowdensmith.bsky.social @plowdensmith.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
Tune in to the latest Waldy & Bendy podcast focussed on @bendorgrosvenor.bsky.social revealing the secrets of Holbein's The Ambassadors. A really refreshing change of format to a deep dive into a well known masterpiece. zczfilms.com/podcasts/sea... #ArtHistory
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