On 14 May 2025 we were delighted to welcome back on site the illustrious Norfolk Contemporary Art Society (n-cas) for the latest in their impressive programme of talks hosted at Norwich School.

Our speaker was talented, London-based artist Trevor Burgess. He remembered fondly his local connections, having curated the Norwich Gallery and having been heavily involved in the arts scene in Norfolk during the 1990s. A significant element of Burgess's subsequent career has been as an artist-curator in a number of successful national exhibitions, during which time he has won numerous awards and prizes. Over 100 of his paintings are available at Bridgeman Images and were included in his lecture.

His fascinating talk was on the subject of What is Colour. Trevor reflected that more than 40% of the human brain is taken up with processing visual stimuli and the colour palette of art works is hugely critical to their appreciation. This was sumptuously illustrated in a slide deck of painstakingly selected images. With such a large and compelling collection of beautiful fine art under his consideration (Monet, Matisse, Munch as well as eastern influences), Trevor‘s thoughtful and engaging talk prompted much debate amongst our audience of n-cas members, local creative artists, pupils, ONs and staff over refreshments with the speaker afterwards.

Pupil Hetty who had helped at the event commented: As a Lower Sixth art scholar it was really interesting to hear about the topic of colour in paintings, specifically oil paintings. Last night’s talk by Trevor Burgess explored paintings being a platform for guiding emotions and creating a sense of space through colour. He addressed many artists renowned for their use of colour such as Cézanne, Matisse, Oskar Kokoschka and Joaquin Sorolla. One of the key notes I am going to take away from the talk is to paint the light and the experience not just the object.

For our next talk in the Blake Studio, we welcome back the Royal Geographical Society for another mouth-watering talk over half term, to which all are welcome:

Thursday 29 May – Royal Geographical Society public lecture - A Life in Green: looking back, looking forward – Sir Jonathon Porritt CBE. 

Jonathon is a very eminent writer and high-profile environmental campaigner. He is perhaps best-known for his work and advocacy for Friends of the Earth and the Green Party over many decades, bringing to national prominence important ecological issues and crises. Jonathon’s talk will address what we have learnt from the last 50 years of activism on climate and biodiversity issues, and what are now the priorities when the challenge has never been more pressing. We are very fortunate to have attracted to site a speaker of his profile and calibre, and this promises to be a lively and though-provoking evening.

Timings: 7.30pm - Blake Studio Norwich School, The Close - doors open 7.00pm

Booking link: A life in green: looking back, looking forward - RGS. Tickets to be bought in advance please as space for tickets sold on the door is likely to be very restricted.

Details of Norwich School’s eclectic selection of cultural events round site feature in our termly publication, At Close Quarters, with the Trinity Term 2025 edition now out. See: Publications | Norwich School.

Do join us.