Kingdom of Ife at British Museum

[EleanorT]

I'm pretty sure that this is the exhibition I saw a few months ago in Madrid:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/art/ ... eview.html

It was absolutely stunning - so I recommend this!

[Des]

Thanks for flagging this up, Eleanor. I'm in London on Saturday so hopefully can go and see this.

[EleanorT]

Great. What I saw in Madrid was not a large collection of exhibits, but what there was really worth the trip. I have read that the exhibition is travelling and started in Santander, so I think it's safe to assume it's the same one. I'd be interested in hearing your opinion of it.

[Des]

Saw the exhibition today. Wonderful. The brass, bronze and terracotta heads were exquisite; skilfully executed especially bearing in mind the awkward nature of the materials used and the complexity of the processes involved. The vertical striations on the faces were a striking and recurring theme, and the beautifully-proportioned features really made them come alive - they truly were windows onto a long-lost culture. Lots of very informative background information and well-lit exhibits made for an unforgettable experience. Only £8 to see the show and well worth it. Go along - you won't be disappointed.

Saw lots of other fab stuff in the museum - an exhibition of Native American warrior culture was particularly compelling. Haven't been in the BM for yonks -the airy and light-filled main space is glorious.

Thanks again Eleanor for bringing this to my attention.

[EleanorT]

Really glad you liked it. It was featured in the Spanish papers last week too. I remember being struck by just how lifelike some of the sculptures were - as you say, they are really made to come alive.

[uiwangmike]

There's an enticing item about the exhibition on the March 4 edition of The Strand on WS.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p002vsn3