Modernism

This isn't quite "what we're reading outside the group", but it's a cultural activity I undertook in the last month....

Went to the'Modernism' exhibiton at the V&A and really, really enjoyed it- a crackingly good exhibition! In fact I enjoyed it so much I became a member of the V&A on the strengh of this alone.

The reasons why are liked it are many... it's a well-presented exhibition with quality exhibits; I liked the variety of disciplines covered (art, design, architecture, theatre, industry, technology etc etc) and the different times and places brought together; it joined a lot of dots together in my mind. I also liked the strong infusion of politics, optimism and egalitarianism. Finally, I enjoyed the historical aspects- seeing what was going on when.... and, as is always the case with history, seeing how the past affects the present.

Anyway, well worth a visit!

Paul Sanderson

June 2006

The general opinion seemed to be that The Master and Margarita was an enjoyable read - even though a couple of us were a little scared we hadn't quite 'got the point' of the novel.



As ever, after staring at each other blankly for a moment the titles and authors started pouring forth for next month's read. We arrived at Cold Comfort Farm (Stella Gibbons) by way of Orwell, Ballard, Lord of the Flies and Edith Wharton. We were variously restricted at different points in the conversation by length, gender of author (had to be female) and price (Wordsworth Classics for a quid sounded popular!).