The Artistic Legacy of the Knights of St John of Malta


Barbara Peacock gives The Arts Society Chiswick's March talk

A painting of Malta
A painting of Malta

March 5, 2025

After last month’s celebrations of the 10th Anniversary of the Arts Society the March meeting features a talk by Barbara Peacock on “The Cult of Splendour: the artistic legacy of the Knights of St John of Malta”.

The arrival of the Knights of St John in Malta in 1530 was the prelude to two and a half centuries of remarkable building and artistic activity. This talk traces the development of Maltese architecture from the relative austerity of the late Renaissance to the richness grandeur and architectural display of the High Baroque of the 18th century. The Grand Masters were great patrons, commissioning numerous magnificent works of art. In 1607 they invited Caravaggio to Malta where he produced some of his greatest late works.

Architectural historian and experienced lecturer Barbara Peacock RSA also organises and leads art and architectural tours in UK and abroad. She is very much involved in the preservation of the architectural heritage of the Czech land and has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Czech government and the Points of Light Award from the UK Prime Minister, Theresa May.

This talk will serve as a taster for the society’s overseas visit to Malta in April

The meeting is being held at 8pm, on Thursday 13 March, at POSK in King Street, Hammersmith.

Olivia Freeman, Chair, The Arts Society Chiswick says, “This Talk will appeal to many people who are interested in the Knights of St John of Malta and their heritage. We welcome old and new members and guests”

Doors open at 7pm, as does the private bar and guests are very welcome to join for a payment of £15 on the door.

The society recently celebrated its 10th Anniversary with an event at POSK at Hammersmith
The society recently celebrated its 10th Anniversary with an event at POSK at Hammersmith

Membership of the Arts Society Chiswick includes ten expert lectures on the second Thursday of every month (except August and December) and the opportunity to participate in tours, visits, social events and Special Interest Days. Half year Membership available from 1 July. For more information see the society’s web site. For more information see the society's web site.

The Arts Society Chiswick brings people together through a shared curiosity for the arts, to create opportunities for everyone to be part of a diverse community in which they can enjoy, learn about, participate in, and preserve the Arts and Cultural Heritage.

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