Spellbound Talks - Lars Tharp, lecturer, author and broadcaster

A specialist in Ceramic History as well as oriental works of art, Lars Tharp is well known to viewers of the BBC Antiques Road show. He is a popular speaker amongst many and varied societies and gatherings. He appears on numerous Radio and television programmes, most recently presenting his own 12-part BBC Four series, Inside Antiques (2004), while hosting several series of BBC Radio 4’s antiques quiz, Hidden Treasures and For What It’s Worth –a social history of “objects”.

Besides the Road show, ongoing TV projects in 2005 have included Castle in the Country; a programme on Hans Christian Andersen (with Michael Rosen); and a documentary on another fellow Dane, the artist Vilhelm Hammershøj (with Michael Palin).

Lars was born in Copenhagen and educated in England. After studying at Cambridge, he joined Sotheby’s in 1977, becoming a director and auctioneer with the firm. In 1993 he left to set up his own consultancy business advising museums, auction houses and private clients on the acquisition, care and disposal of ceramics.

Talks

A frequent visitor to China, Lars lectures worldwide – to various academic and commercial institutions (including the National Trust, the National Art Collections Fund, New Scotland Yard, the RSA and several universities), to conferences, lecture societies, schools, festivals and corporate groups.

A Life on the Road

A specialist in Ceramic History as well as oriental works of art, Lars Tharp is well known to viewers of the BBC Antiques Roadshow. This new talk, packed full of amazing facts and anecdotes, offers insights into the fascinating (and sometimes shady!) world of antiques. Whilst revealing his experiences in front of, and behind the BBC cameras, Lars describes some lighthearted, notable moments from the long-running ‘Antiques Roadshow’ series. On a more serious note, he also considers what makes parrticular objects so important, and valuable. Prepare to be enlightened and entertained!

The Problem with China (New for 2008!)

This year heralds the start of the Beijing Olympics. With just a few months to go before the celebrations and competitions begin, it is timely to turn our thoughts to this vast economical and industrial power …

To mark these special events in Beijing, Lars has prepared a new talk. Imparting his wealth of knowledge about all things Chinese, he describes the early days of East-West relations, the occasionally comical episodes in the exchange of letters between King George III and the Qianlong Emperor, the subsequent collision of Empires and the emergence of the modern China. Prepare to be enlightened about China’s past, present and future!

Whores, Rakes and Crashing China (particularly suitable for schools)

Let Lars lead you through the harlot’s chamber, past milord’s mantelpiece and into the mayhem of London’s streets and taverns, hunting out along the way pots, crocks and porcelain -as seen through the eyes and works of England’s greatest narrative painter - Hogarth. Taking you into the very heart of 18th century London, it will open your mind to a whole new way of “reading” pictures while also presenting an original view of ceramic history.

On the China Trail

Lars takes us on some of his own journeys, from his degree in Stone Age archaeology to recent experiences retracing (for BBC Radio 4, forthcoming 2007) of 'The China Trail' - the 500-mile route by which Chinese porcelains were transported over mountains and rivers to the port of Canton before beginning a perilous sea-journey to Europe. We also visit castles and open up collectors' cabinets of curiosities along the way. Richly illustrated with photos and some film footage, Lars talks about Objects and what they can tell us about our past and ourselves.

The Life and Times of Hogarth

What can we learn about a past age – and of its medical condition – through the eyes of its artists? With his finger firmly on the pulse of his times, Hogarth – one of Britain’s greatest painters - recorded on canvas and in print the ailments of London society, as well as the practitioners of their equally dangerous remedies, the ‘quack doctors’. Laid out prior to the talk will be a selection of medical objects encountered in the works of Hogarth: the audience is invited to examine the fiendish tools of the 18th century doctor’s bag, and to diagnose their function. Not for the squeamish!

What others have said ...

'There has been nothing but praise for your performance … I now have in my possession several written notes ... all expressing gratitude for your very professional presentation … peppered with words like “memorable speaker”, “superb”, “broad approach”, “non-technical”, “top notch”, “held my attention throughout”. Clearly, you have made a lasting impression!.'



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