|
Leonie
Whitton is a professional painter and joint owner
of Il Collegio Holidays, which was founded by herself and
her partner David Westby in the early 90's. Before this she
was a full-time senior lecturer at Falmouth College of Art
in Cornwall, England, and visiting lecturer at many other
colleges and universities in the U.K. She also taught and
held the position of Artist in Residence at Victoria College,
Melbourne, Australia in 1988. Her
work has been exhibited in the U.K, Europe, the U.S.A.
and Australia, and is held in public and private collections
world-wide. Since moving to Italy she has continued her interest
in Medieval and Early Renaissance art, with particular reference
to Fillipo Lippi and Tuscan fresco painting of the Quatrocento.
During the restoration of Impisi Leonie added glass and ceramic mosaics to walls and pavements around the courtyard and pool.
Leonie has a passion for good food and creatively meets the high gastronomic expectations of the guests on the holidays. The cultural and culinary discoveries
she has made in the move to Puglia has already influenced
her cuisine and is looking forward the delights of the kitchen
garden at Impisi.
--------------------------------
David
Westby graduated from Falmouth School of Art before
his post-graduate studies in drawing and sculpture at the
Slade School of Art, London. This was followed by a Boise
scholarship for a year in Italy and Sicily which started his
continuing interest in Italian life culture and art. He exhibits
widely in the U.K. has work, both painting and sculpture,
in many private collections and is gaining a reputation for
public
art and sculpture with commissions
in Cornwall and Yorkshire. During the building works at Impisi he developed
new skills in stone carving, adding decorative detail and sculptural works
to the property.
His experience as a teacher ranges from vocational education in painting ,
drawing and sculpture, part-time lecturing in drawing and fine art at foundation and degree level.
He enthusiastically communicates his skills and extensive knowledge of painting and drawing
during the Il Collegio Art Holiday workshops.
He also enjoys sharing his knowledge of art history, architecture and culture with visitors
on the excursions he and Leonie organise during the Art Holidays.
He is looking forward to discovering more of the artistic and cultural heritage of the region
of Puglia and sharing them with visitors.
|
|
