Auction Houses

Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London is holding a one-day course in February for those wishing to explore the trends and highlights of contemporary jewellery. Participants will receive a new perspective on the task facing fashionable designers in today’s increasingly discerning market. Experts such as Joanna Hardy, Senior Specialist from Sotheby’s Jewellery Department in London, and world renowned jewellery designers including enamel specialist Leo de Vroomen and up-and-coming British designer Shaun Leane will share their insights with course participants.

The course will close with a handling session led by Sotheby jewellery expert Justin Roberts. Attendees will get the chance to apply their new-found knowledge to the real thing, seeing and feeling how the principles of design and manufacture are realised in pieces of the highest quality. The Institute runs a number of similar short courses throughout the year, each offering unique insights into the world of art and design.

London-based opera fans once more have the opportunity to participate in Christie’s Education’s long running opera courses. Christie’s runs opera courses each spring, and this year the theme is “popular operas”. Each weekly session focuses on a different well-loved opera, such as Aida or Turandot, and all are supported by both historic and contemporary images and recordings. Christie’s also hosts an Introduction to Opera course every autumn. This covers the history of the major European traditions, as well as two specific evenings on the male and female voices. 

The course will be led by Christie’s senior opera lecturer, Patrick Bade. A major collector of early opera recordings, he is also closely involved in a Christie’s-supported initiative, The Opera Project. This not-for-profit organization was founded in autumn 2004 to bring together young opera enthusiasts in London. The project organises educational and social events aimed at younger people wanting to learn more about opera. Private recitals, lectures and trips to performances abroad are just some of the events organized by the group.