Feasts and food: Art through the ages

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Bonhams Gallery Conversation Aurore Vesin, Associate Specialist, British and European Art, Bonhams London Since early cave markings, humans have portrayed food in its hunting and gathering, still life and feasting. Aurore Vesin considers food in art through the ages, linking her talk with RAMM’s A feast for the eyes exhibition (to 22 March 2026). Still Life by Edward Ladell (1821-1886) is featured in the talk. Ladell moved to Devon in the 1870s, setting up a studio in Queen Street, Exeter. His works continue to be listed in Bonhams catalogues. As a specialist in 19th and 20th century art, Aurore gives detailed attention to farming and the rural table. With the rise of Naturalism and Realism, rural life became a major subject for artists in the 19th century. Her talk is brought up to date with a review of interest in contemporary art and the sales markets. Information about accessibility is available on our Access page. Image: Still Life, James Bruce Birkmyer. 1848-9. RAMM collection; exhibited in ‘A feast for the eyes’. In 1862 Birkmyer was a member of an early discussion for a museum and art gallery in Exeter.