The annual Kirker Lecture in aid of Venice in Peril took place on 14 May 2019 at the Royal Geographic Society, with a fascinating talk given by artist and author Edmund de Waal. A record 700-strong audience filled the RGS’ Ondaatje Theatre for the talk, which coincided with Edmund’s major new work for the Ghetto in Venice, revealed at the opening of this year’s Venice Biennale the previous week.

Drawing on his family history, which inspired the award-winning book The Hare with Amber Eyes, Edmund’s themes embraced the ascent, decline and exile of Jewish communities, and the importance of Venice, and in particular its extraordinarily well-preserved Ghetto, which visitors to the city rarely discover.

The event took place on a warm spring evening and guests enjoyed prosecco on the terrace as well as in the historic Hall and the remarkable Map Room prior to the lecture. We were delighted to raise more than £13,000 on the evening towards vital conservation work in Venice.

For more information about Kirker’s tailor-made holidays and expert-led Cultural Tours to Venice – including the new Venice Biennale holiday in the company of art expert Charlie Hall – speak to an expert on 020 7593 2283.

For more information about Venice in peril and their conservation work in Venice visit www.veniceinperil.org.