Three Heads, 1944. ©️Marie-Louise von Motesiczky Charitable Trust 2024

Talk by local historian Alison Bailey

£9pp including wine/soft drink

In 1940, Vienna-born artist Marie-Louise von Motesiczky (1906-1996) moved to Amersham, with her mother Henriette and their housekeeper Marie Hauptmann. Fleeing persecution in Austria, initially via Amsterdam and London, they settled in Buckinghamshire. She spent time with other émigrés living in Amersham, including the future Nobel prize-winning author Elias Canetti (1905-94), and the composer, pianist and teacher Francesco Ticciati (1893-1949).

Starting with her six paintings in the museum’s collection, this talk explores Marie-Louise’s time in Amersham, her direct community on Chestnut Lane and fellow émigrés who visited her there during (and directly after) World War Two. This would have been a very anxious time for Marie-Louise as many members of her family, including her brother Karl, remained in Nazi-occupied Europe. However it was also a time of hope, regeneration and great creativity.

Alison Bailey is an Amersham Museum trustee and volunteer, and local historian.

Please make sure you have checked details before ordering tickets. It is necessary for the museum to charge a cancellation fee of £1 to cover credit card and administration costs.

This talk will be held in the Museum’s Woodcock Room on the first floor. It is served by a platform lift as well as stairs. More information about building access is given here. If you have any queries or requirements, please do not hesitate to get in touch on 01494 723700 or [email protected]