One of the great artistic visionaries of the late 19th and early 20th centuries was the Swedish doctor and writer Axel Munthe, who, from the 1870s, rebuilt a Roman Villa on the Italian Isle of Capri, with the best-selling book he wrote as a result now something of an artistic and literary icon, and a piece of work that has attracted thousands of visitors to the Villa San Michele.

Hilary and I went there in June 2008 and found it a wonderfully spiritual place that you felt had been part of you all your life.

It's an extraordinary place, and The Story of San Michele an extraordinary book.

What Did Stratford Look Like Through Shakespeare's Eyes?

Well, if you're an artist why not try and depict what Stratford did look like through the playwright's eyes?

Above is a picture of Shakespeare's Birthplace in the 17th century.

Garrick has organised a competition for the best depiction. Take a look at Garrick's page (just click on his photo top left) on this site for more information.

And there are prizes too!

Steve Newman
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Garrick Huscared's Dream Comes True

Shakespearean artist, Garrick Huscared's dream of opening an Artists Colony here in Stratford-upon-Avon has come true.

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Denys Val Baker - Britain's Art Colony By The Sea

Back in 1959 the Cornish based writer Denys Val Baker wrote a book called Britain's Art Colony By The Sea, which was a look at the then thriving art colony of St.Ives in Cornwall. It chronicled the work and lives of such people as John Park, Charles Simpson, Ben Nicholson and Barbara Hepworth. It is a book that brought the artistic life of that beautiful Cornish town to the general publics attention.

If you get a chance to read the book do so, because it reminds us how important art is to society.
Steve Newman