The Riviera is a Sunny Place, for Shady People! (W. Somerset Maugham)
May 1, 2025
On 1 May 2025 there was a very inviting spring vibe to the Blake Studio! We were delighted to welcome the Royal Geographical Society (RGS) for the latest in their impressive programme of talks hosted at Norwich School.
We had a real expert to take us on a journey to the French Riviera: Norfolk-based author and filmmaker Jim Ring, giving a talk entitled: The Rise and Rise of the Riviera.
Focusing on meticulous research undertaken for his 2004 book: Riviera: The Rise and Rise of the Côte d'Azur: The Rise and Rise of the Cote D'Azur, our speaker gave an energetic and entertaining exposition of the fascinating and dark history of the Cote d’Azur - this remarkable coast of southern France covering such jewels as Cannes, Nice, Monaco, St Tropez and Monte Carlo. Its unique, warm micro-climate enjoys an average of 300 days of sun per year and has been a magnet to wealthy British travellers for nearly 300 years; it was no surprise to learn it is currently the home to 50% of the world’s super yachts! There is little wonder that celebrated author and visitor W Somerset Maugham famously commented nearly 100 years ago that: The Riviera is a sunny place, for shady people!
From early days as unspoiled fishing villages, the area found fame on the Grand Tour. Clever marketing as a recuperative resort and later as a paradise for uber-wealthy playboys and gambling has ensured that this region is never far from the headlines. A favourite of glitterati as varied as Queen Victoria, Wallis Simpson, Brigitte Bardot, Grace Kelly, Dodi and Diana (and these days Ronaldo, Joan Collins and Jeff Bezos), the allure of this sun-kissed coastline remains strong, and this was captivatingly conveyed by our speaker through the reading excerpts from his book and in a visually stunning slide deck. His talk concluded with a pragmatic assessment of the double-edged sword of unbridled tourism and resort development contrasting with the €10bn value that its 14m annual visitors bring to the local economy.
RGS talks are open to all and are very approachable and friendly. Further details of RGS events are posted here: Upcoming events - RGS,. We greatly look forward to welcoming the RGS back on site for another mouth-watering talk over half term:
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 the Green Party. He was a prominent member and Chair of the political party during the 1970s and 80s, and is credited with helping them gain more publicity and increased membership. Away from politics, Jonathon has worked for a number of environmental charities and organisations including Friends of the Earth, Beyond Agenda 21 and Forum for the Future, and for many years was Chair of the UK Sustainable Development Commission.
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. The current focus of his work is on intergenerational justice, supporting young people in their activities addressing the twin crises of the Climate and Biodiversity Emergencies.
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.
7.30pm - Blake Studio Norwich School, The Close - doors open 7.00pm
For booking: 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.







