The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence
by Nicholas Ross
St Joseph’s Hall, Brompton Oratory and The Victoria and Albert Museum
Coffee · Lecture · Exhibition
10th April 2025
This exhibition is the best of Indian (let alone Mughal) art in all its wonder and colour. There are paintings, calligraphy, amazing textiles and wonderful bronzes, each informing the other. The experience of visiting forts and palaces in India is exciting for the architecture, but there is little impression of the greater aesthetic because so much has been carried away. In this exhibition, that covers the years 1560 – 1660 and the successive reigns of Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan, of Taj Mahal fame, one can see the character of the court and what was considered beautiful. With the exhibition closing in early May, the rush has subsided, and one can truly look in detail and begin the process of recalibrating one’s vision to be able to read these intriguing items. This will be the purpose of this lecture, to explore how to truly appreciate this thrilling period.
Nicholas Ross, Director of AHA, will present this lecture, having run several tours to India and in anticipation of a trip to Rajasthan in November 2025. On this occasion, no lunch is organised by AHA, but a very good lunch available directly outside the exhibition in the museum Café.
Order of Events
10.30 Coffee at St Joseph’s Hall, Brompton Oratory
11.00 Lecture for Artemisia Members at St Joseph’s Hall, Brompton Oratory* by Nicholas Ross
12.15 onwards – Exhibition at the V&A – The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence*
COSTS
Coffee Complimentary
Lecture £27.00 + (£2.96 booking fee)
Book*Please note you must purchase your own tickets to the exhibition from the V&A website. This allows you to choose the time you want to enter and to use any discounts or memberships you may have. V&A exhibition tickets.
*St Joseph’s Hall, Brompton Oratory, The Brompton Road, Nearest underground – South Kensington. To the left of the Oratory façade there are impressive gates leading on to a courtyard. In the building to the left, on the ground floor, one finds St Joseph’s Hall.
If you would like further information please email me on charlie@arthistoryabroad.com or call 01379 871800.
