DR LOYD GROSSMAN: AN ELEPHANT IN ROME: BERNINI, THE POPE AND THE MAKING OF THE ETERNAL CITY. CHAIRED BY SAVILIAN BEN FURNIVAL.

The eminent art historian – and television celebrity – Dr Loyd Grossman presents an entertaining romp through 17th century Rome and the efforts of “the greatest artistic double act in history” – Alexander VII and Bernini – to restore the prestige of the Eternal City. Chaired by Savilian Ben Furnival, the talk accompanies Loyd’s book, An Elephant in Rome, written for those who love the endless fascination of Rome and want a deeper and more entertaining tale of how it came to be.

“A hugely engaging read that helps explain how Rome was re-invented by the papacy in the 17th century as caput mundi, ‘the head of the world’” – Country Life (Book of the Week).

“An elegant telling of the story of the creation of Baroque Rome by Bernini and his papal sponsors.”   – The Times

 “A scholarly yet thoroughly jolly book about the sculptor and architect who left a greater mark on Rome than anyone else in history.” – Catholic Herald

Loyd Grossman CBE was born in Boston and educated at Boston University, the London School of Economics and Magdalene College Cambridge where he received his PhD in history of art.  Alongside his career in television, journalism and as an entrepreneur, he has a long and varied involvement in the arts and heritage. He has been a Commissioner of English Heritage, Chairman of National Museums Liverpool and Chair of the Churches Conservation Trust. He is currently Chairman of The Royal Parks, Chairman of Gresham College and a Governor of the British Institute of Florence.  A Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and of the Royal Historical Society, he spends a great deal of time in Italy.