George Cuitt resided in Chester from 1804 to 1821. Here he launched his remarkable career as artist and etcher being called “one of the finest, in his chosen line the very finest, of our native etchers.” His published plates were judged to “have no equal in Britain and no superior in the similar school of any nation.” His depictions of the ancient buildings of Chester display a unique approach and a superb technique, bringing a quality and romantic atmosphere to the pictures of Chester unknown before his time. Alongside these labours he built up an extensive and popular practice as the foremost teacher of drawing in the city and its surroundings.

The talk by Ian Dunn, Former County Archivist of Cheshire, will expand on the theme of the vital role of the drawing master in the age before photography and the social milieu in which it flourished. The means by which Cuitt was able to earn a modest fortune in an age when provincial artists have commonly been perceived as struggling to eke out a meagre existence, will also be explored. It will be shown that Cuitt made considerable sums both from his published etchings and from his profitable teaching before retiring back to his native Yorkshire for the last thirty-three years of his life.

It was the American Declaration of Independence that introduced the idea of “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” as unalienable rights.  4^th July 1776 is the date when the modern idea of a right to happiness was born – and this talk by Gyles Brandreth will explore the idea of happiness as it has developed across the centuries and introduce his 7 Secrets of Happiness.

What is happiness? Who gets to be happy? And how? Research shows that happy people live up to ten years longer than unhappy people. This is a talk that won’t simply enhance your life: it may well extend it.

 

For far too long, the menopause has simply been considered as a condition which either affects periods or fertility. Few people have thought about the important role of oestrogen, testosterone and progesterone in our bodies. These hormones can have very beneficial effects and when the level of these hormones reduce, many symptoms can occur and there is also an increased risk of diseases including heart disease and dementia.

I will talk about what perimenopause and menopause are, how to be diagnosed, treatment choices and how to have a healthy menopause. HRT myths will be debunked too. I hope this talk will enable people to think about female hormones in a different way so that more women will be able to receive the advice, care and treatment they deserve to improve their mental and physical health.

This event is an opportunity to learn more about two projects which are sharing stories of people crossing borders and building new lives in Cheshire and across the North West.

Daniel Edmonds of Cheshire Archives will introduce the Journeying to Cheshire project launched by the archives in partnership with Cheshire Halton and Warrington Racial Equality Centre (CHAWREC). They are working together to produce a series of oral histories with members of new and emerging communities across Cheshire, creating resources for researchers and public display boards.

Heather Swainston, Project Worker for Cheshire at Migration Stories NorthWest, will talk through some of the choices and stories that went into the display, which can be visited through the course of the Festival of Ideas.

If you want to learn more about why people have made Cheshire their home, and to hear about their experiences, then please join us for this discussion.

Both these projects have been made possible with funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Booking for this event will open early in May.

Roman auxiliary soldiers were an essential and formidable part of the invincible Roman Army. Their specialist military skills held back the hostile barbarian hordes especially along the frontiers of the Empire such as in Roman Britain. But what exactly do we know about them?

With insights about the latest research and archaeological finds, experts from Roman Tours reveal the fascinating diversity and culture of these tough and adaptable men – and women – many thousands of whom came from tribes as far away as the Eurasian Steppes to serve in the northern military zone here in Chester and along Hadrian’s Wall.

Company Carpi: composer Gary Lloyd & choreographer Bettina Carpi

Photography: Brian Hickey & Simon Bubb