Episode 260 – The Tudor World in the Wolsey Rooms with Brett Dolman

Guest Bio

Brett Dolman is a curator and historian, specialising in the creation, purpose and reception of western European art in the 16th – early 18th centuries. As Curator (Collections) based at Hampton Court, he is responsible for the management, research, display and interpretation of fine art, including paintings and tapestries. He works alongside colleagues at Royal Collection Trust, and has a research interest in the display of Royal Collection paintings at Hampton Court from the 16th century to the present. At HRP since 2003, Brett has curated exhibitions and displays on Tudor and Stuart history, Shakespeare and court drama, court portraiture and the Royal Collection; at Hampton Court, he is the curator of the Cumberland Art Gallery and the Mantegna Gallery. He has published on portraiture, Tudor history painting, Baroque murals, the Royal Collection and the Raphael Cartoons.

Episode Summary

Welcome to another episode of Talking Tudors with your host, Natalie Grueninger. This episode is sponsored by the Gloucester History Festival, where history enthusiasts can enjoy live talks from renowned historians and speakers.

Natalie welcomes Brett Dolman, curator and historian at Hampton Court Palace, to discuss the newly opened exhibition, The Tudor World in the Wolsey Rooms. Brett shares insights into the exhibition, which showcases rare Tudor paintings, historical artefacts, and provides a deeper look into the lives of ordinary men and women who served at the Tudor court.

The episode delves into the significance of the Wolsey Rooms, originally built for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, and explores the rich history and stories of the Tudor period. Brett discusses key exhibits, including portraits of Henry VIII, Catherine of Aragon, and Anne Boleyn, as well as rare paintings depicting Henry’s military campaigns and the Field of Cloth of Gold.

Listeners will also learn about the Tudor connections with the wider world, including trade, cultural exchanges, and the darker aspects of exploitation and colonisation. Brett emphasises the importance of understanding the broader historical context and the impact of the Tudor dynasty on global history.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in Tudor history, offering a fascinating glimpse into one of England’s most iconic periods. Join Natalie and Brett as they explore the dazzling and dangerous world of the Tudor court.

Listen Now!

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