We are pleased to launch a series of online talks with this one by our member Simon Hurst. Talks will be 15-20 minutes long followed by questions, discussions or break out groups.

This one launches the series with a look at the weird and wonderful world of column capitals.

On his holiday travels over the years, Simon has always kept an eye out for the unusual, inventive or simply bizarre designs of column capitals and other architectural details.

This talk will be a fast-paced slideshow showing many variations of traditional and classical forms from countries such as Algeria, Argentina, India, Italy, Morocco, Peru, Turkey and many others.

Some are weird; some are clever; some push the boundaries of what you might even think should be allowed; but all are in their own way interesting and show how diverse and inventive one can be working within an established, or even imposed culture or tradition.

This lecture has now been recorded and can be viewed here.