Chandlers Ford Art Group were treated to a whistlestop tour of Monet’s Garden after their AGM on April 20th.

Dr Anne Anderson is well used to entertaining and informing groups both on land and afloat, but nobody was at sea during her fascinating presentation of the artist’s life, trials, tribulations and gardening.

Claude Monet is of course, well known as the artist who launched Impressionism – or at least whose ‘Impression: Sunrise’ gave the movement its name.

The history of his life, and the problems he had with selling his works, may be well documented, but it is always enjoyable listening to an articulate speaker on her favourite subject. Along the way, the audience were treated to tips on the best time to visit Giverny (which is always packed with tourists), the number of gardeners needed to keep Monet’s palette of plants anywhere near its best throughout the year, and how many Impressionist masterpieces you could have bought for $400 at the turn of the century.

I’m sure many other members of the audience thought back to aspects of their own encounters with Monet’s works during this insightful talk. Mine floated into the modern room of the Orangerie, where I was surrounded by his later works. I recommend a visit to all Monet enthusiasts. I also recommend Dr Anderson if you ever want to investigate art history, whether in a talk or through her many publications.

Thank you for a delightful evening.

Report by Jacky Pett