Artist Stephen Chambers Explores the Colourful Court of Redonda

British artist Stephen Chambers has produced an array of innovative artwork that questions society’s expectations and provokes curiosity in its viewers. Chambers’ most recent collection, The Court of Redonda, illustrates a cast of characters from the Kingdom of Redonda, a fantasy kingdom stemming from both literature and art.
Stephen Chambers concluded his art studies at the Chelsea School of Art in 1983, graduating with a master’s degree. His work has always taken on a bright and meaningful approach. He is a highly decorated artist, elected a Royal Academician in 2005 and awarded an Honorary Fellowship from Downing College at the University of Cambridge in 2016.

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.Chambers states that the highlight of his career so far has been ‘realising that [he] can pack [his] bag and work anywhere.’ His work has been exhibited extensively, with more than 40 solo presentations across the globe. He also features in many international collections and has collaborated on three contemporary dance productions for The Royal Ballet, London, as well as worked with poets on a series of artists’ books.
For his most recent work, however, Chambers revisits traditional illustration in a decidedly non-traditional way. The Court of Redonda is a vast collection of 101 portraits illustrating the Court of the imaginary Kingdom of Redonda. Curated by Emma Hill, the exhibition was shown for the first time as a Collateral Event of the 57th International Art Exhibition at the Venice Biennale in May 2017 and is currently on display at The Heong Gallery at the University of Cambridge’s Downing College until 20 May, 2018.


The West Indies island of Redonda has always been uninhabited, ‘useless unless you’re a seagull with tired wings’, as Chambers puts it, but it has taken on the persona of being a micronation. The island’s illustrious history began in 1865 when a merchant trader crowned himself as King of Redonda. His son then made it so that this kingship would be passed on through literary, rather than hereditary, lineage.
When poet John Gawsworth assumed the title of King Juan I after the death of the original king’s son, he began to bestow titles to his literary friends and peers, leading to a royal court populated by poets, playwrights and authors. In 1997, Spanish novelist Javier Marías assumed the title of King Xavier and began writing about the collisions of fact and fiction involved in the legend of Redonda.
Chambers says his inspiration began in the literature associated with Redonda. ‘I was tipped off about The Court of Redonda having been found reading the books of Javier Marías… I then began to read the backstory. I was engaged with the idea that something could be both whimsical and relevant.’

After nearly two years of work, Chambers’ 101 paintings gave each imaginary court subject its own distinct personality. ‘The court is a court of those that make things, follow curiosity, don’t normally dine at “high table”, get their hands dirty, and is populated by those that are good at what they do. Devoid of competition, other than individually with themselves.’


Despite famous faces populating the real court, Chambers’ work examines the imaginary. ‘I am playing with an idea about utopia, migration and democracy. These are not true portraits painted from people sitting in front of me. Much as The Court of Redonda is a fabrication involving real people, my court is an imagined collective of “everyman”. Members of the court are those you will be familiar with: Ian McEwan, Francis Ford Coppola, Umberto Eco, William Boyd, Pablo Almodóvar, etc. However, if they come looking for their own depiction, they will be disappointed.’

The idea of selling The Court of Redonda collection as one body of work, rather than individual pieces, has been a notable one in the art world, yet it is one that Chambers believes makes perfect sense. ‘It was conceived as one work, and that idea would be intellectually diluted were it to be broken.’


Chambers is currently working on what he calls ‘big political paintings’, referring to two projects in particular: one with the title Throwing a Shoe at the President, the other Blowing Up Parliament. He is no stranger to political art; in addition to the 101 portraits of the royal court, his current exhibition also displays three large canvasses titled State of the Nation, made before, during and after Britain’s referendum vote.
To budding young artists, Chambers gives the advice: ‘Be stubborn. Work harder than the hinges to the gates of hell. Make friends. Forget the bits you are no good at.’
Heong Gallery, Downing College, University of Cambridge, Regent Street, Cambridge, UK, +44 1223 334800
This article was written in association with Wessex Scene, a student publication based at the University of Southampton.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.