ARCHIVE SECTION
LAUNCHED on World Oceans Day, June 8th, 2025.
TO THE SEA (A Shutter Hub Editions Publication, 116-pages: ISBN 978-1-7399632-9-3)
On carousel: Cover image copyright Jo Stapleton, 2025.
website: www.shutterhub.org.uk
“We reminisce on childhood holidays and collecting seashells, dog walks on the beach, and the soothing sound of gently lapping waves. But we must remember, although it’s bigger than all of us, vast and powerful, the sea very much needs us to look after it. As climate change imposes more circumstantial realities on us, the sea becomes ever more important in our everyday lives,” Karen Harvey MBE, founder of Shutter Hub and curator of TO THE SEA.
THE NATIONAL GALLERY LONDON: After a two-year makover the Sainsbury Wing of the National Gallery, reopened to the public on 10 May 2025. The rehang of artworks is inspired. Some things - like Robert Venturi's fabulous staircase remains - other parts have received a 'glow-up'. And Giorgio Locatelli has coffee shops and a restaurant to tempt visitors too.
On carousel: interior view of the Sainsbury Wing entrance, (image copyright Rosalind Ormiston)
JMW TURNER 250th BIRTHDAY
The 250th birthday of one of England's finest painters - Joseph Mallord William Turner (23 April 1775-19 December 1851) - was celebrated on 23rd April 2025 at Sandycombe Lodge, the house he designed and built at 40 Sandycoombe Road, St Margaret's, Twickenham TW1 2LR. He said if he had his life again he would have been an architect.
This lovely villa was his country retreat. It is open to the public and on now is a stunning exhibition Turner's Kingdom: Beauty, Birds and Beasts (until 26 October 2025.)
on carousel: A birthday cake for JMW Turner, celebrated at Turner's House, Twickenham on 23 April 2025. Image copyright Rosalind Ormiston
THE ARBUTURIAN GRAYSON PERRY DELUSIONS OF GRANDEUR
Published online in The Arbuturian (8 April 2025) www.arbuturian.com, a review of Grayson Perry - Delusions of Grandeur', a new exhibition of over forty new works by British artist Sir Grayson Perry, celebrating his 65th birthday. At the Wallace Collection, Hartford House, London until 26 October 2025.
It's exhuberent, irreverent, a bit dark at times, memorable, and fun.
Read it here:
Grayson Perry's Delusions of Grandeur | The Arbuturian
Exterior Hertford House, Manchester Square, W1U 3BN- the Wallace Collection, London; detail of Grayson Perry exhibition poster.
THE NEW EUROPEAN: HOW THE DUTCH HOLD BACK THE SEA
Published online 30 March 2025 - In print 1 May 2025
Can the Seas Survive Us? Is a question asked by Jago Cooper, director of the Sainsbury Centre Art Museum, at University of East Anglia, Norfolk, in three exhibitions relating to climate change and rising sea levels. Across the North sea the Netherlands may have the answer. Find out in 'How the Dutch Hold Back the Sea' in The New European, published online on 30 March (in print Thursday 1 May: The Art of Holding Your Head above Water').
click on link:
At the Sainsbury Centre: Can the Seas Survive Us? - Sainsbury Centre
World of Water - until 3 August 2024.
on carousel:
- Dutch artist trio, Ronald Boer, Jonmar van Vlijmen, Rosanne van Wijk, de Onkruidenier.
de Onkruidenier, Relearning Aquatic Evolution, 2022. Image: Marleen Annema. Copyright: de Onkruidenier
THE ARBUTURIAN I AM MARTIN PARR
A documentary film by Lee Shulman takes Magnum photographer Martin Parr on a road trip, visiting sites of Parr's most famous photographs to discuss his work, life and photography.
It's terrific. Read an online review in The Arbuturian
https://www.arbuturian.com/culture/film/i-am-martin-parr
On carousel:
Martin Parr photographing film director Lee Shulman, during the making of the film I AM MARTIN PARR. And a photograph of Martin Parr - film still. Both images courtesy of Lee Shulman and Martin Parr Studio and copyright Lee Shulman 2025.
BETHAN LAURA WOOD at the DESIGN MUSEUM, LONDON
The Inaugural PLATFORM at The Design Museum | The Arbuturian
PLATFORM is an inaugural year-long exhibition space for contemporary design at London's Design Museum. The first designer to show her collection - a modern retrospective of early creativity and current work - is the fabulously colourful Bethan Laura Wood. For student designers it is a glimpse into her working methods and inspirations; for the rest of us, a fabulous insight into how creativity in design begins - and door handles are important.
Read more online in The Arbuturian www.arbuturian.com
The Inaugural PLATFORM at The Design Museum | The Arbuturian
On carousel:
Portrait of Bethan Laura Wood_photo credit David Sierra_Courtesy of the Design Museum
THE ARBUTURIAN
At the National Gallery, London, 'Siena: the Rise of Painting 1300-1350.
A stunning exhibition of Sienese art, sculpture and textiles.
Read a review online
in The Arbuturian here
https://www.arbuturian.com/culture/art/siena-the-rise-of-painting-at-the-national-gallery
THE NEW EUROPEAN Gladiators ready: how Rome’s bloodsport was brought to Britain
A touring exhibition 'Gladiators of Britain', on now at Dorset Museum, Dorchester explores the evidence that gladiators were brought to Britain, to fight in amphitheatres, after the invasion of Britain in AD43 by the Roman emperor Claudius. It's on until 11 May and then tours - like the gladiators 2000 years ago - to Northampton, Chester and Carlisle.
Read about Gladiators ready: how Rome’s bloodsport was brought to Britain in The New European, online from 13 February, and in print from 14 February.
It's issue 424: 13th-26th February (A double issue).
On carousel: Illustration (detail) from The New European in Eurofile, on pp.40-41 (courtesy of The New European)
THE ARBUTURIAN In conversation: Karen Harvey MBE
I interviewed the remarkable photographer and philanthropist Karen Harvey. She created the photography exhibition initiative 'Shutter Hub' ten years ago. Today it is a global institution, promoting photographers work. In addition Karen is a book publisher; a charity worker, and a racing car driver. Get inspired! Read it here:
https://www.arbuturian.com/culture/in-conversation-karen-harvey-mbe
On carousel:
Photograph of Karen Harvey MBE, image copyright Karen Harvey/Shutter Hub 2025.
THE ARBUTURIAN - Goya to Impressionism, at the Courtauld, London
In The Arbuturian, published 3 February online, a feature on a rare exhibition of artworks from the Oskar Reinhart collection in Switzerland, opening at the Courtauld Gallery, London, on 14 February 2025. Goya to Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Oskar Reinhart Collection exhibits 25 masterpieces, on show in the top floor galleries, adjacent to Samuel Courtauld's collection of Impressionist paintings. A chance to compare fabulous art collections (until 26th May 2025).
Read it here in The Arbuturian :
Goya to Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Oskar Reinhart Collection | The Arbuturian
THE ARBUTURIAN Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism
Published online in The Arbuturian a review of the fabulous exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts, London (until 21 April 2025). It is a memory marker for an exhibition of Brazilian art held at the RA in 1944. Forward in time 80 years to the art of Brazilian artists, then and now, in a spectacular show. Read it here:
Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism at the Royal Academy | The Arbuturian
THE NEW EUROPEAN - Bound together, pulled apart: Catalan artists in Paris
Bound together, pulled apart: Catalan artists in Paris - The New European
Published in The New European Issue 421: 23-29 January 2025, pp.40-41, "Bound together, pulled apart: Catalan artists in Paris", discusses a group of artists from Barcelona, who lived and worked in Paris during the late nineteenth-early twentieth century, bringing their own culture, and absorbing Parisian life, both explored through their paintings.
It relates to a superb exhibition at the Museu Picasso, Barcelona, Montmartre to Montparnasse: Catalan artists in Paris 1889-1914 (until 30 March 2025).
On carousel:
Santiago Rusiñol, La morfinòmana (The morphine addict) París, 1894,
© Arxiu Fotogràfic del Consorci del Patrimoni de Sitges
THE ARBUTURIAN What Art Can Tell Us About Love
Nick Trend, Chief Culture Editor of the Daily Telegraph has written a fascinating book, What Art Can Tell Us About Love, exploring artists' relationships and how they are transformed into art. There are terrific examples from the Renaissance to present day. I love Marc Chagall's The Birthday, 1915. That IS a definition of love (see carousel).
It's a pocket-size good read, to be published by Laurence King Publishing on 13th March 2025. Read a review, online in The Arbuturian.
https://www.arbuturian.com/culture/books/what-art-can-tell-us-about-love
On carousel: The Birthday, 1915, Marc Chagall copyright Art © ADAGP, Paris and DACS, London 2024 Photo Bridgeman Images
THE ARBUTURIAN - Sheila Fell: Cumberland on Canvas
Published online in The Arbuturian. Read it here:
https://www.arbuturian.com/culture/art/sheila-fell-cumberland-on-canvas
A stunning SHEILA FELL retrospective is currently showing at the Tullie (museum & art gallery) in Carlisle, Cumbria, or Cumberland as it was called when Fell was born in this county in 1931. Sheila Fell (1931-1979) was a remarkable landscape painter & near 100 of her works are on display in 'Sheila Fell: Cumberland on Canvas', until 18 March, 2025.
On carousel:
Exhibition installation of Fell's last,and unfinshed painting 'Untitled', 1979 © CastleGate House Gallery,Cockermouth, Cumbria (image © Stuart Walker)
FOOD STORIES published by ShutterHub. Shutter Hub was founded 10 years ago by Karen Harvey, to give photographers worldwide a platform for their work. The photography in each publication is breathtaking. Food Stories '100 Recipes without Words' is the latest - I love the fish in aspic by Marcel Koehler - he created the front cover too. Karen states that "Shutter Hub’s key mission is to create fair access to photography, making a positive impact within the industry and opening up opportunities for everyone – be it through our Camera Amnesty Projects or other similar initiatives." Take a look.
On carousel: 'Food Stories' front cover. Image copyright Shutter Hub.
A Barbie Fest at the Design Museum
Published online in The Arbuturian on August 17, a feature on the latest exhibition at the Design Museum in Kensington, London: 'Barbie®:The Exhibition' (until 23 February 2025). It's a chance to channel your inner Barbie and Ken, and see Barbie No.1 produced in 1959. She has her 65th anniversary this year. Read it here:
A Barbie Fest at The Design Museum | The Arbuturian
A farmer's protest, published online 4 December in The New European. (In print 5 December 2024).
A farmer’s protest - The New European
For any parent not happy with their child's choice of career, read how Maarten van Heemskerck (1498-1574) aged around twelve, dropped the milk pail and a farmer's life to become one of the most important Netherlandish painters of the 16th century.
On carousel: One half of Maarten van Heemskerck's St Luke Painting the Madonna, 1532, (image copyright Frans Hals Museum, Haarlem, Netherlands). And, the painting as one work, found to be two separate works during restoration (image copyright Frans Hals Museum). St Luke is painting and behind him is Heemskerck, in a self-portrait as the god of inspiration.
Monet in London online in The Arbuturian, 30 October 2024.
Read about Monet and the exhibition here.
Monet in London | The Arbuturian
on carousel:
1)'Waterloo Bridge, Gray Weather', 1900, oil on canvas, copyright: Art Institute of Chicago / Art Resource, NY/ Scala, Florence (detail)
2) 'London, The Houses of Parliament, Shaft of Sunlight in the Fog, 1904 , oil on canvas, copyright Musée d'Orsay, Paris, Photo © Grand Palais RMN ( Musée d’Orsay) / Hervé Lewandowsk (detail)
'Selling Vincent: How Van Gogh's sister-in-law let go of his work and cemented his legend'
In The New European newspaper, issue #402, August 29-September 4, 2024, in EUROFILE, pp.31-35: Selling Vincent: How Van Gogh's sister-in-law let go of his work and cemented his legend' a feature on Vincent van Gogh, and sister in law Jo van Gogh-Bonger, which relates to an exhibition on Van Gogh at the National Gallery, London (until 19 January 2025) The New European online and print.
Selling Vincent - The New European
Van Gogh: Poets & Lovers, National Gallery
On carousel:
1) Sunflowers 1888 (detail), Vincent van Gogh, © The National Gallery, London
2) The world's largest 'painting' of Sunflowers, 1888, in progress, growing in a field between Zundert and Etten-Leur, Brabant, the birthplace of Vincent van Gogh, and where Vincent used to walk. Image copyright and courtesy of photographer Leo Dekkers 2024.
More details see https://www.vangoghnationalpark.com/nl/homepage
An Interraction with Marc Quinn at Kew Gardens
Published online in The Arbuturian 17 July 2024, an illustrated feature on the stunning exhibition of Marc Quinn's sculptures and art at Kew Gardens, south west London.
Read it here:
An Interaction with Marc Quinn at Kew Gardens | The Arbuturian
Edo-Pop at Watts Gallery
Published 19 June online in The Arbuturian, a feature review on the fabulous exhibition at Watts Gallery, Compton, Surrey, on Edo-Pop 1825-95, from the collection of art historian Frank Millner. It's a colourful spectacle.
Read it here: https://www.arbuturian.com/culture/art/edo-pop-at-watts-gallery
The Story of an Art Addict
In 1934 Peggy Guggenheim bought a house, Yew Tree Cottage near Petersfield, Hampshire. It was here that she launched her career as a modern art collector and gallery owner. The exhibition 'Peggy Guggenheim: From Petersfield to Palazzo' opened at Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery, on June 15th, with the remarkable story of her life in Hampshire before settling in Venice. I have a 7-page feature in Hampshire Life, June issue (published May 24th 2024) 'The Story of an Art Addict' pp.10-16.
Stealing Michelangelo
In February 1564 the Florentine sculptor, painter and architect Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564), the greatest artist in Europe, died. He had lived in Rome for thirty years since 1534. Where should he be buried? Rome wanted his body. Florence wanted it more. Read Eurofile: 'Stealing Michelangelo' in The New European, issue 391: 6-12 June, pp.31-35.
On carousel: detail of front cover of The New European - Eurofile section p.31. (image copyright The New European 2024)
A Spring Bloom at Strawberry Hill House
Published online A Spring Bloom at Strawberry Hill House | The Arbuturianhttps://www.arbuturian.com/culture/art/strawberry-hill-house-van-huysum
At Strawberry Hill House, Twickenham, London, an exquisite exhibition (until 8 September 2024) is displaying a pair of paintings by Dutch painter Jan van Huysum. They have to be seen. Read about them in The Arbuturian here.
On carousel: Jan van Huysum's Fruits, including Grapes, Peaches, and a Pineapple, with Flowers and a Poppy in a Sculpted Vase, a Landscape Behind, 1731-32 (detail) image copyright Strawberry Hill House, 2024.
'The Painter and the Performer', a six-page feature in Artists & Illustrators, July issue, pp48-52.
https://www.artistsandillustrators.co.uk/news/artists-illustrators-magazine-latest-issue/
In January 1879, the French artist Edgar Degas visited Cirque Fernando in Paris, over several nights. He made sketches of the circus ring, the clowns, the animals but his focus was on Miss La La, an acrobat with an 'iron-jaw' who could hold an exploding cannon between her teeth. Read Artists & Illustrators feature to find out what happened next. Degas' painting 'Miss La La at Cirque Fernando',1879 National Gallery, London is the subject of an exhibition at the gallery, 'Discover Degas & Miss La La' (6 June-1 September, 2024)
On carousel:
1) Miss La La at Cirque Fernando, 1879, Edgar Degas (detail) - image copyright National Gallery, London
2) Poster for Cirque Fernando, Paris, c.1870's (detail)
Image copyright National Gallery, London.
Yinka Shonibare CBE: Suspended States
British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare is holding his first solo exhibition in London in over 20 years at the Serpentine Galleries, Hyde Park. The Arbuturian feature walks you through it. Read it here.
https://www.arbuturian.com/culture/art/yinka-shonibare-cbe-suspended-states
Tony Cragg at Castle Howard, Yorkshire
'A Show-stopping sculpture adventure', Yorkshire Life, May issue, pp.34-36.
Sculptor Sir Tony Cragg is exhibiting his work at Castle Howard, Yorkshire, from 3 May-22 September 2024. It is the first time that contemporary sculptures have been displayed at Castle Howard. It is such a glorious setting. Read about it in Yorkshire Life.
On carousel:
Exterior: Castle Howard, Yorkshire with Tony Cragg's phenomenal aluminium sculpture 'Industrial Nature', 2024, on the lawn. (Image - Rosalind Ormiston, 1 May 2024)
The Lost Father of Surrealism
'The lost father of Surrealism: how Paul Nougé helped create a movement.. then disowned it', in THE NEW EUROPEAN newspaper issue 380, 14-20 March, 'Eurofile' pp.31-35.
The lost father of surrealism - The New European
2024 is the centenary of the emergence of Surrealism in Belgium and France. It is being celebrated in Brussels in two major exhibitions; one, Histoire de ne pas rire; Surrealism in Belgium' at BOZAR, the second a few paces away is IMAGINE! 100 years of International Surrealism at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. The Belgian biochemist and writer Paul Nougé was the intellectual leader of the Belgian surrealists movement. André Breton in Paris was his French counterpart.
On carousel: Paul Nougé, 'The Juggler' (La Jongleuse) from the series Subversion of images, 1929-1930, Photography, Collection Archives & Museum of Literature (AML), Brussels. © Rights reserved.
Bruges - The Art of Recovery
The Sint Jan (Saint John) Hospital in the centre of Bruges was founded in the 1150s. It ministered medical aid year-round to residents until the 1970s. Now it is a museum dedicated to its remarkable past. The New European, 'Carousel', p.7, issue 389, 23-29 May 2024, has published my article on its history.
On carousel: The Wards at Sint Jan's Hospital, Bruges, 1788, oil on panel, by Jan Baptiste Beerblock (1739-1806). Image copyright Hugo Maertens,2024 (This painting is in St John's Hospital Bruges.)
FEBRUARY 2024
'Protecting the first superpower: The Romans in Cumbria', CUMBRIA LIFE, March 2024 issue Cumbria Life – The award winning magazine
The feature focuses on the Roman legions occupation of Cumbria, Northumbria and Scotland, in relation to a fabulous exhibition at the British Museum: 'Legions: life in the Roman army', on until 23 June 2024 See Legion: life in the Roman army | British Museum
On carousel: Relief from Croy Hill, on the Antonine Wall. Image copyright National Museums of Scotland
JANUARY 2024
The New European weekly newspaper, Issue 371, 11-17 January 2024.
4-page feature relates to the life of Hans Holbein the Younger at the court of Henry VIII, linking to 'Holbein at the Tudor Court' exhibition at Queen's Gallery, London.
Read it here:
https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/hans-holbein-an-outsider-at-the-tudor-court/
On carousel: Hans Holbein the Younger Derich Born, 1533 (detail)
Credit: Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2023
DECEMBER 2023
Two features published 13.12.23
* Feature in The New European : 'The secret history of a bloody nose: the horrific origins of Le Nez by Giacometti'. Read it here.
The secret history of a bloody nose: the horrific origins of Le Nez by Giacometti - The New European www.theneweuropean.co.uk
On carousel : Installation view 'Alberto Giacometti-Le Nez' at Institut Giacometti, Paris Image copyright Fondation Giacometti © Succession Alberto Giacometti / Adagp, Paris 2023
* Feature in The Arbuturian: 'Elisabeth Frink: A View from Within' special exhibition at Dorset Museum and Art Gallery, in The Arbuturian www.arbuturian.co.uk
Read it here: Elisabeth Frink: A View From Within | The Arbuturian
On carousel: Elisabeth Frink working on the Dorset Martyr group, 1985 (Photo © Anthony Marshall/Courtesy of Dorset History Centre)
* 'Impressionists on Paper: Degas to Toulouse-Lautrec' published 29.11.23 online in The Arbuturian. Here is a link to read it.
Impressionists on Paper: Degas to Toulouse-Lautrec at the RA | The Arbuturian
On carousel: Federico Zandomeneghi, Study of a Woman from Behind, 1890-97. Pastel on cardboard, 48 x 38 cm. Galleria D'Arte Moderna, Milan. Photo: © Comune di Milano – All Rights Reserved
* Feature' The Renegade: Marcel Duchamp' has been published in Artists & Illustrators - November issue 2023 This relates to 'Marcel Duchamp & the Lure of the Copy' (until 18 March 2024), the latest exhibition at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice.
Guggenheim and Duchamp were very good friends, Duchamp advising Guggenheim on what art, and which artists, to invest in for her collection of modern art.
Artists & Illustrators magazine latest issue: November 2023 - (telegraph.co.uk)
I visited Paris in October 2023 primarily to see the remarkable exhibition 'Alberto Giacometti - Le Nez' at the Institut Giacometti (until 14 January 2024). It is fabulous. Read about it in The New European The secret history of a bloody nose: the horrific origins of Le Nez by Giacometti - The New European
October review published online 23.10.23 in The Arbuturian
'Sarah Lucas: Happy Gas' (Tate Britain, London). Here is the link:
Sarah Lucas: Happy Gas | The Arbuturian
'Marina Abramović at the Royal Academy' published online in The Arbuturian 05.11.23 It should be exhibition of the year. (Closed 01.01.24)
Here is the link:
Marina Abramović at The Royal Academy | The Arbuturian
Italia! magazine - August/September 2023 issue
I visted Venice to write a feature on the Italian painter born in Venice, Edmondo Bacci (1913-78). He was a friend of the American heiress and art collector Peggy Guggenheim who recognised his extraordinary talent. The exhibition 'Edmondo Bacci: Energy and Light' was on show at the Guggenheim, Venice until 18 September. Truly fabulous (and Venice too!)
Artists & Illustrators - June issue
'Picasso: His Legacy 50 Years On', pp.42-48.
It is 50 years since Pablo Picasso died in France. Musée Picasso in Paris has an exhibition Picasso Celebration: the collection in a new light! curated under the direction of Sir Paul Smith, the British designer. Until 27 August 2023
Published online in The Arbuturian 29 May 2023 On the Trail of Vincent
Art & Travel feature about visiting locations in Brabant : Zundert, Etten-Leur, Nuenen, Den Bosch associated with Vincent van Gogh (1853-90) where he lived for half his life. Such a fabulous province: Read on to find out more.
On carousel: Zundert - church where Van Gogh's pastor father preached. In foreground a contemporary sculpture celebrating the lives of brothers Vincent and Theo van Gogh, both born in Zundert, Brabant, the Netherlands.
'The mysteries of a study in satire' published in The New European - online Wednesday 17 May - in print on 18 May 2023.
Read it here: The mysteries of a study in satire - The New European
Article relates to ' The Ugly Duchess' exhibition at the National Gallery, London.
On carousel:'The Old Woman' (The Ugly Duchess), painted about 1513, Quinten Massys. Image copyright Ntional Gallery, London
A Link here to The New European Archive - Rosalind Ormiston
Van Gogh in Auvers: His Final Months. Published online - 10 May 2023 - in The Arbuturian. The feature relates to a major exhibition just opening at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, part of its 50-years celebrations - 'Van Gogh in Auvers: His Final Months', focuses on the last two months of the painter's life in Auvers sur Oise, north of Paris, where he created 74 paintings in 70 days, and many considered to be his masterpieces.
Online review 'Halima Cassell: From the Earth', Watts Gallery, Compton, near Guildford, Surrey, in The Arbuturian, 10 April 2023
Halima Cassell 'From the Earth' at Watts Gallery | The Arbuturian
In print and online - in The New European newspaper
'Jacobus Vrel: Searching for the father of Vermeer', published 13 April 2023
Jacobus Vrel: Searching for the father of Vermeer - The New European
On carousel::
Jacobus Vrel, A Seated Woman Looking at a Child through a Window, after 1656
Image copyright Fondation Custodia, Frits Lugt Collection
JULY 2025
LATEST BOOK
Dürer: His Life and Works in 500 Images, Lorenz Books, Anness Publishing.
ISBN:
9780754835547
For book or art commissions, or to discuss future projects, please email:
LATEST BOOK : GERMAN edition
Monet: Große Meister der Kunst.
Mit zahlreichen Farbabbildungen
(Monet: Masters of Art series, Prestel Publishing), May, 2025 - Hardcover
Member: Society of Authors
Rosalind Ormiston - The Society of Authors
Member: Association for Art History
Find me on Academia.edu
www.academia.edu
'A Chance to Visit a Different World' | Rosalind Ormiston - Academia.edu
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