Returning to Arcadia

In this session Andrew Baker examines the influential concept of Arcadia. Beginning in ancient Greece, he will trace the changing image of Arcadia reaching over two thousand years. The concept has long been an inspiration for pastoral poetry, and has served to represent both the Golden Age and the imaginal world of harmony.

The story will ultimately lead us to the Shepherd’s Monument at Shugborough Hall, establishing for the first time its place as a gateway to an integrated design scheme by Thomas Anson, the patron and friend of a little-known 18th century circle of Platonic artists and philosophers.

Thus we will see how the concept of Arcadia has come to be associated with ‘real’ places by those who see the world through imagination as a window into Truth and Wisdom.

Andrew Baker is a retired librarian, a composer and a historical researcher. He has spent many years investigating Thomas Anson of Shugborough Hall, Staffordshire and his influence on the 18th century Greek Revival in the Arts. This research has led Andrew to the rediscovery of Anson’s friend, the composer Antonin Kammell, and to the philosopher Floyer Sydenham.

In his compositions Andrew explores the language of music, and he captures the Spirit of Place in films with music.