Georgina is an art and architecture historian who has lived and worked in the UK, USA and Singapore and travels widely. Her practice includes lecturing, writing, consulting and collecting and she has developed a network of gallery and artist connections in Europe, the USA and India, which she visits regularly.

Art Historian at the Oriental Club London, an official tour guide at Tate Modern and an accredited speaker for the Arts Society, Georgina is also a popular guest speaker on luxury cruise ships for whom she has developed a series of entertaining art talks relating to Asian, Pacific and Caribbean destinations. She has been a visiting lecturer at UK universities, presents talks at leading art institutions including Christie’s Education New York and the Museum of Modern Art, Moscow and speaks at international art conferences, most recently in New York, Paris, London and Lisbon.

Georgina holds a BA in Art History from Southampton University, an MA in Arts Management and Policy from City, University of London and an MA in Art History from SOAS, University of London. Georgina is a Patron of the Contemporary Art Society, has been a Trustee of Salisbury Arts Centre and on working committees at Tate and the Art Fund. She is a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Art Scholars and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and the Royal Asiatic Society.

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SOUTH & SOUTHEAST ASIA, JAPAN

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1. MUMBAI - ANCIENT AND MODERN CITY
The story of this colourful city through its art and architecture, from the impressive 7th century rock caves of Elephanta to today’s thrilling Bollywood movies.

2. KOH-I-NOOR - THE MOST FAMOUS DIAMOND IN THE WORLD
From an Indian river bed thousands of years ago to the Tower of London – the fascinating story of the ‘Mountain of Light’.

3. A MONUMENT TO LOVE – THE REAL HISTORY OF THE TAJ MAHAL
The Taj Mahal is undoubtedly the most famous landmark in India, celebrated worldwide as an enduring testament of a husband’s love for his wife and a perfect marriage of design, craftsmanship and symmetry. Based on the most current research, this talk dispenses with the many legends that persist in the public imagination and in separating fact from fiction, tells the real history of this magnificent edifice.

4. ART OF THE MUGHAL WORLD
Mughal rule in India during the 16th to 18th centuries marked a unique flowering of art and architecture, unrivalled in its luxury and opulence. These mighty Emperors were patrons of skilled artists whose creativity produced breathtakingly beautiful artworks and monuments. Importantly, Mughal art and architecture served another purpose; as a highly successful form of propaganda, which is also explored in this fascinating talk.

5. RITUALS AND RICHES - THE TEMPLES OF SOUTHERN INDIA
Southern India offers up a treasure trove of history through its beautiful temples, built by a succession of mighty dynasties.

6. CHENNAI AND MAHABALIPURAM – SITES OF THE GODS
Chennai and Mahabalipuram, on the Bay of Bengal, are a feast for the senses and overflowing with wonderful art, architecture and sculpture including many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

(This talk can be divided into 2 separate lectures: ‘CHENNAI’ and ‘MAHABALIPURAM’ if desired.)

7. THE STORY OF INDIAN MODERN ART
An exploration of how art in the subcontinent threw off the yoke of colonial influence to create modern masterpieces and a thriving global business.

8. M.F. HUSAIN - MASTER OF MODERN ART
Revered as the 'Indian Picasso', the enthralling rags to riches story of the leading Indian modernist painter.

9. SRI LANKA, LAND OF THE MONKEY GOD
Shrines, stupas, cave temples, colonial grandeur and modernist architecture – a look at the history of this beautiful island through its intriguing art and culture. For much of Sri Lanka's past Buddhist and Hindu have lived alongside each other peaceably and much of its culture is evidence of this spirit of tolerance and generosity.

10. SINGAPORE – BUILDING A CITY
Singapore is a successful melting pot of cultures, as is its art and architecture. Early settlers arrived from all compass points and each group left an indelible mark on the cityscape. From the celebrated Raffles Hotel to ‘Little India’, we examine the story of Singapore right up to the stunning skyscrapers that are the modern emblems of this small city state.

11. THE ART OF HINDUISM - RELIGION OF 33 MILLION GODS
An introduction to the beliefs and philosophy of Hinduism, the oldest religion in the world, by enjoying its wonderful art and architecture. From its early beginnings, temples provided sites for worship, reflection and celebration. We look in detail at these beautiful edifices, populated by a myriad of gods and goddesses, through their ancient stories.

12. THE MANY FACES OF BUDDHA EXPLAINED
An ascetic sage, a meditative god, or a jovial chap with a fat belly? The story of Buddhism is explored through its fascinating art and sculpture. A religion, a philosophy and also a moral discipline, Buddhism originated in northeastern India over 2,500 years ago before travelling to Southeast Asia, China and beyond. Today over 535 million worship Buddha and follow his path to enlightenment This talk considers the religion's fascinating trajectory, through wonderful images, statues and carvings that are full of peace and wisdom.

13. GEORGE TOWN - A UNESCO HERITAGE DELIGHT
George Town, the capital of the island of Penang, is a UNESCO heritage site, with over 12,000 buildings recognised for their historical importance. The city is celebrated for its fascinating mix of Chinese and European art and architecture which we explore in this talk. As the story of remarkable George Town unfolds, we take in Chinese temples and shophouses, grand colonial mansions and proud civic buildings.

14. VIETNAM – A CORNUCOPIA OF DELIGHTS
Palaces, pagodas, temples, grand European style buildings, ceramics, silk painting and water puppetry – the arts and architecture of Vietnam are both serene and intriguing.

15. BANGKOK - CITY OF PALACES AND TEMPLES
Bangkok became the Thai capital in 1782, before that the city was little more than a cluster of huts in a swampy delta. A huge building project ensued beginning with the remarkable Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). This talk explores the extraordinary story of the growth of the city, focusing on royal and sacred buildings which show exquisite beauty and craftmanship.

16. THE STORY OF HONG KONG
From the early settlers via British colonisers to the modern day – an exploration of what makes this island city so dynamic, innovative and exciting through its enthralling, and sometimes surprising, art and architecture.

17. 10 JAPANESE MASTERPIECES
Japanese art is as surprising as it is exciting and its rich history has many fascinating twists and turns. We start with early ‘literati’ brush painting on silk based on over a thousand years of tradition, and then look at the art of Emperors, beautiful ‘ukiyo-e’ paintings of the 17th and 18th centuries which lavishly describe the hedonistic lifestyle of the merchant classes, the influence of America in the mid 19th century and then finally some familiar modern masterpieces. This talk provides a fascinating introduction to this exuberant art world.

18. EXPLORING HOKUSAI’S ‘THE GREAT WAVE’
Katsushika Hokusai created his iconic woodblock painting, actually called “Under the Wave off Kanagawa", around 1831 and it was an instant success with his avid followers. The moving scene of two small fishing skiffs about to be engulfed by a wall of water caught the imagination of not only his contemporaries but for generations to come and it is now one of the most reproduced images around the world. This talk considers the historic importance of this work within Japanese culture and why it still resonates so strongly today.

19. THE JAPANESE HOUSE THROUGH HISTORY
Have you ever wondered about the simplicity of traditional Japanese houses; why they are all positioned above ground and made of wood? What is the purpose of sliding screens? Did you know that houses were made without the use of nails? This talk examines the serene domestic architecture of Japan. House design throughout history reflects many different factors – social status, religion, geography, weather, taxation and fashion all play their part in this fascinating subject.

20. INDONESIA - A CULTURE RICH IN BEAUTY AND HISTORY
An introduction to the art and architecture of Indonesia which, like the country itself, is diverse and captivating. Adventurous merchants and traders arrived in the 16th century to make their fortunes in exotic spices and left behind an intriguing meld of Chinese, Arab, European and Indian influences in their architecture. In the early 17th century the Dutch became the dominant power for more than two centuries and much of their grand colonial architecture is also much in evidence - adding to the rich tapestry which is Indonesia today.

21. MYSTIC ISLAND - THE TEMPLES OF BALI
No-one can fail to be enthralled by the temples of Bali, they are everywhere and they are enchanting! There are more than 10,000 of these beautiful edifices on the island, some stretching back a thousand years. This talk offers an exploration of the fascinating history of these unique buildings. From the smallest domestic temple to the grandest 'sea temple', they are all designed to impart harmony and tranquility.

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INDIAN OCEAN, SOUTH AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN

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22. MOTHER CITY - THE ART AND ARCHITECTURE OF CAPE TOWN
The story of this engaging city, with its wonderful blend of Asian, European and African influences, from early settlement to the sophisticated metropolis we see today.

23. ECUADOR – PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
Ecuadorian culture is rich in history and variety; its art and architecture reveals the influences of Incan design, African tradition and indigenous inspiration. We discuss fascinating archaeological discoveries, folk art, modernist architecture, sculpture and ceramics. In fact everything that contributes to Ecuador’s dazzling visual environment.

24. PUERTO RICO – A CULTURE TO MAKE YOUR PULSE RACE!
The fascinating story of the island’s rich culture through its compelling art and architecture. From 16th century Spanish fortresses to baroque, neoclassical and strikingly beautiful art deco buildings. The talk also investigates how talented artists have chronicled the island's history over 500 years of multiculturalism. This talk is full of Puerto Rican vivacity, colour and music!

25. CARNIVAL AND COLOUR - THE CULTURE AND ART OF THE CARIBBEAN
The vibrant culture of the Caribbean islands is a historic melting pot. Native, African, Dutch, Spanish, British and French styles have fused together over time to create the fascinating visual culture we see today. From the iconic chattel house to the plantation home, the architecture and art of the islands express the joyous nature of the Caribbean peoples through vivid imagination, flamboyant colours and delightful ornamentation.

26. THE BRITISH IN THE CARIBBEAN
The British ruled many Caribbean islands for several centuries. This talk considers the colonisers’ arrival, their establishment of successful sugar cane plantations (and later coffee, indigo and rice), the importance of the islands as a base for the British Fleet under Admiral Horatio Nelson, the growth of slavery and the economic success that followed. Many immigrants were able farmers, skilled sailors and navigators, enterprising businessmen and efficient administrators, who left behind a wealth of fascinating historical artistic evidence which relates their stories.

27. THE REAL PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN
For centuries pirates roamed the Caribbean Ocean creating havoc and violence for unsuspecting merchant vessels and peace-loving sailors. Piracy reached its zenith in the early eighteenth century when notorious marine outlaws such as Benjamin Hornigold, Edward Thatch (alias Blackbeard), Charles Vane and the notorious ‘Black’ Sam Bellamy led crews of murderous sailors intent on plunder on the high seas. There is no doubt that a fair amount of dramatic licence has been used in the retelling of their stories over time, but there is also historical evidence to back up many swashbuckling and curdling tales of terror that are exciting to relate. These two fascinating talks separate fact from fiction and investigate pirate history through a wealth of historic illustrations, paintings and prints.

28. WEALTH AND POWER IN BARBADOS
The art and architecture of Barbados is intriguing in the way in which it reflects changing modes of life throughout the ages of this island’s rich history. The arrival of early settlers enticed by the beauty and warm climate of the island and the economic success of the early plantations, were peopled by incomers of all sorts, including artists to document their fascinating narratives. We look at historic book illustrations, classic oil portraiture, beautiful landscape painting and early photographs, to retell the story of this remarkable island and how its history has been driven by dreams of wealth and power.

29. BOLD AND BRAVE - THE ART AND CULTURE OF THE BAHAMAS
From depictions of the first settlers in the 15th century, to British colonisation and then independence, the unique art and culture of these varied islands describes the lives and times of intrepid and determined Bahamanians.

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

30. SYDNEY REVEALED
Sydney is full of iconic buildings - from the world-famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge to grand Victorian mansions and modern skyscrapers. Its art and architecture sums up the pioneering and innovative spirit of this great city. We take a voyage of discovery and learn not only about Sydney’s celebrated skyline but also its architectural secrets.

31. AUSTRALIAN INDIGENOUS ART - 50,000 YEARS AGO TO THE PRESENT DAY
The Australian indigenous peoples possess probably the oldest continuous culture on our planet. This talk looks at the early beginnings of this fascinating art and traces its development to the modern day where it is exhibited in international galleries and sells for high prices on the world art market.

32. ART FOR A NEW COUNTRY - THE AUSTRALIAN IMPRESSIONISTS
The story of the Heidelberg School – the first true “Australian’ art form post-colonisation. How talented artists arriving in the new country found a way to describe the exotic and alien Australian landscape.

33. DESCRIBING A NEW COUNTRY - AUSTRALIAN LANDSCAPE ART
In the mid 19th century settlers arrived on the new continent of Australia and were astonished by the exotic landscape, climate and peoples they found there. As part of the process of acclimatising to their new home, talented artists set about depicting this new land, leaving us with a fascinating legacy of art works – engaging and intriguing images of rugged landscapes, big skies, windswept coastlines, the drama of bushfires, and finally of new towns being built and homesteads created. We focus on the stories of settlement by investigating the fascinating art of these innovative times.

34. THE STORY OF MAORI ART
Toi, or Māori art, dates back around 800 years when the first Polynesian people settled in New Zealand. Without a written language the Maori preserved and passed on knowledge and history through four primary art forms; raranga (weaving), whakairo (carving), tā moko (tattooing) and peitatanga (painting). This talk looks at the evidence of this craftsmanship and the spirituality it communicates, from the beautiful carved meeting houses to skilfully designed Māori art and artefacts.

35. SNOWY MOUNTAINS AND ROMANTIC MISTS - NEW ZEALAND’S LANDSCAPE PAINTING
Early New Zealand landscape painting was topographical and accurate, mapping out the new land for those who could not see it. It’s purpose was to cast the land in a familiar light to encourage immigration from Britain. But in the mid 18th century painting set itself free and artists began to paint the drama and emotion they perceived in vast landscapes, huge glistening lakes and snowcapped mountains. This talk relates the fascinating trajectory of landscape painting - from reportage to melodrama.

USA

36. WARHOL, POLLOCK AND ROTHKO - THE BAD BOYS OF MODERN ART
New York in the 1960s – a centre for artistic experimentation that both thrilled and shocked the art world. The story of the protagonists of a revolutionary and historic art movement.

37. MIAMI - MECCA OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN
The great city of Miami is a tropical idyll characterised by the beautiful pastel-coloured hotels of South Beach. However it’s also the home of bold and glamorous architecture. This talk takes a look at everything that makes Miami a celebrated centre of exciting and diverse design, from Art Deco to Modernist and awe-inspiring Contemporary buildings of this glorious city.

38. THE GREAT MUSEUMS OF MIAMI
Miami is home to a fantastic array of world-class museums. From contemporary art to antiquities, from historic railroad cars to world-breaking science - there is truly something for everyone! Learn about some of the secret treasures that can be found in these great cultural centres.

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ATLANTIC ISLANDS AND EUROPE

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39. THE CULTURAL RICHES OF THE CANARY ISLANDS
Focusing on Lanzarote and Tenerife, we look at the wonderful art history of these unique islands. For centuries the Islands’ tranquility, kind weather and proud Spanish heritage have attracted great artists. Julian Rodriguez Botas, Luis de la Cruz y Rios, and the world famous Oscar Dominguez among them. This talk looks at their fascinating work and what it tells us about the Islands’ rich history and character.

40. TENERIFE - AVANT GARDE ISLAND
One of the most interesting, and surprising, features of Tenerife is the profusion of avant-garde architecture - celebrated architects from around the globe have made their mark here. We investigate the sinuous curves, expansive spaces, dramatic profiles and vertical gardens of the fabulous buildings these inspired artists have created.

41. ROMANCE AND REVOLUTION - FRENCH ARCHITECTURE THROUGH THE AGES
The story of French architecture is full of interesting surprises. We trace the history of France through its fascinating buildings: from medieval castles with their fairy tale towers and spires to the lavish baroque palaces and ornate rococo chateaux of the 17th and 18th centuries. Historic events often influence building styles and in the 19th century Emperor Napoleon III employed Baron Haussmann to celebrate his personal and political ambition by creating the ‘modern’ Paris we see today - full of elegant mansions and tree-lined avenues. This massive redesign project did not please everyone however and we consider why this project still prompts controversial debate even in the present day!

42. REVOLUTION! HOW IMPRESSIONISM CHANGED THE FUTURE OF ART
In the mid 19th century, the new methods and ideas of the world’s most popular art style caused a revolution in Paris that changed art forever.

43. THE SHOCK OF THE MODERN - ART AND ARCHITECTURE OF BILBAO
Amongst the different period building styles of Bilbao, the Guggenheim Museum stands out as a modern wonder. Opened in 1997 and designed by Canadian American architect Frank Gehry, its beautiful and startling curvilinear design is a marvellous example of groundbreaking 20th century architecture. Complementing the exterior, the interior is full of modern masterpieces by Rothko, Warhol, Klein, Rauschenberg and others. This talk discusses this unique building and particularly the role it played in the regeneration of the former docks area where it stands. We will also look at highlights from the Guggenheim collection and the modern art revolution that these artists created.

44. ANTONI GAUDI - GENIUS OF BARCELONA
The story of Antoni Gaudi, the inspired Spanish architect responsible for many of Barcelona’s most beautiful buildings. His highly distinctive style is recognised by its flowing lines, wonderful colour and sparkling sense of humour. You simply can’t walk past a Gaudi building without smiling! The absolute pinnacle of Gaudi’s genius is the iconic Sagrada Familia, a huge modernist cathedral in Barcelona. This project was started in 1882 and was so audacious and ambitious, even by today’s standards, that it is still unfinished. This fascinating talk considers Gaudi’s inspirations and work.

45. AN EMBARRASSMENT OF RICHES – ART GALLERIES OF LONDON
London is celebrated for having the richest and most diverse assortment of art galleries in the world. From the impressive National Gallery to the unique and quirky ‘Gallery of Everything’ – the story of exhibiting art in this great city.

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GENERAL ART TITLES

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46. THE ELEGANCE OF THE OCEAN LINER
The glitz and glamour of the ocean liner, from its 1930s art-deco heyday to modern times. A look at early ship design and decor, intended to resemble grand stately homes and ornate palaces and reward passengers with a sense of high comfort, status and extravagance. We look at how design has developed over time and the changing styles of each era.

47. WHY THE MONA LISA IS THE MOST FAMOUS PAINTING IN THE WORLD
An exploration of how and why Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece draws more crowds than any other painting in the world.

48. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE AN ART EXPERT (OR RICH) TO BE AN ART COLLECTOR
An introduction to collecting contemporary art which explores the pleasure to be derived from looking at, talking about, and acquiring art.

49. THE 'ISMS' - HOW TO UNDERSTAND MODERN ART49o you know your Cubist from your Pop Artist? A simple and user-friendly introduction to some of the key movements of modern art and how they came about. A fascinating talk illustrated by many iconic art works of the 20th and 21st centuries.

50. FRAUDS AND FAKES - PAINTINGS THAT FOOLED THE ART WORLD
How do you tell a fake from the real thing? With great difficulty! Stories from behind the scenes of the great art museums of the world.

51. THE TRUE STORY BEHIND THE WORLD'S BIGGEST ART HEIST
On March 18 1990, 13 works of art valued at a total of $500 million were stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. These great masterpieces have never been recovered. The story of the fascinating police investigation that ensued, resulting in knowledge of how, why and by whom the robbery was committed but leaving the crime officially 'unsolved'.

Georgina has been speaking at sea for 6 years and has completed 9 cruises to date as an enrichment lecturer with Cunard, Seabourn, Holland America and Voyages of Discovery.

2016
VOYAGES OF DISCOVERY: VOYAGER
Muscat - Colombo (8 ports)

2017
HOLLAND AMERICA LINES: AMSTERDAM
Hong Kong - Colombo (6 ports)

2017
SEABOURN: ENCORE
Dubai - Colombo (6 ports)

2018
CUNARD: QUEEN ELIZABETH
Victoria (Seychelles) - Cape Town (5 ports)

CUNARD: QUEEN MARY
Transatlantic Crossing

2019
CUNARD: QUEEN VICTORIA
Cape Town - Mauritius (5 ports)

CUNARD: QUEEN MARY
Darwin - Hong Kong (5 ports)

2020
CUNARD: QUEEN MARY
Freemantle - Brisbane (5 ports)

2022
CUNARD: QUEEN ELIZABETH
Norway (4 ports)

Georgina has travel insurance as a cruise ship speaker.

The following recent Cruise History has been recorded for this candidate.