Beatrix Potter’s “Peter Rabbit” has been translated into hierogyphics. “The translation turns the story of a mischievous rabbit into symbols of the Egyptian world, shapes and squiggles. Peter Rabbit becomes a square, a semi-circle, an ellipse and a rabbit image. The “time seemed appropriate” for the hieroglyph version, due in April, translators said, as the story had already been published in 35 languages.”
Tag: 12.31.04
How Do You Save UK Churches?
An annual survey of churches in the UK shows that many are being shut and abandoned. “One survey estimates that the rate of newly redundant churches will double to 60 a year, as a result of dwindling attendance and changing centres of population.” So what can be done with the buildings? “Centuries ago the naves of many churches were used as meeting halls, as places where local business took place, or simply where people went on a daily basis to gossip and exchange views. ‘I see no reason why the naves of many churches cannot function in the same way today – almost as a parish hall. Let us let the people back in’.”
Ireland May End Artists’ Tax-Free Status
Ireland is going to review its tax policy that allows artists to not pay any taxes. The review is in response to widespread public anger that “millionaires in the music business and other fields have been using relief schemes that allow them, legitimately, to avoid paying any tax on their earnings. The tax free scheme for writers, artists and musicians was introduced more than 30 years ago by former Taoiseach Charles Haughey, an arts patron who was then finance minister. The scheme, unique to Ireland, was intended to show how the country valued artistic and creative talent, as well as being of practical help to struggling artists.”
Why Ruskin Might Have Faked Turner Bonfire
Why would famed art critic John Ruskin claim to have made a bonfire of JMW Turner drawings if he didn’t? “In an essay in the British Art Journal Ian Warrell argued that there are many reasons why Ruskin might have claimed the destruction: his undoubted utter shock at the discovery that his hero had feet and other working body parts of clay; his dismay at the scandalous allegations in a biography of Turner he had backed; and, crucially, the introduction of the first Obscene Publications Act of 1857, which provoked paranoia about art images and anxiety that curators could be prosecuted for works in gallery collections.”
Victoria And Albert Museum Hit By Robbers (It’s The Third Time)
For the third time in three months, the Victoria & Albert Museum has been hit by robbers. “The museum authorities disclosed yesterday that a series of Italian Renaissance bronze plaquettes, worth about £500,000, were stolen on Wednesday. The theft is the largest of the three robberies and a big embarrassment for the V&A, which, The Times revealed last month, has been severely criticised for its lax security.”