Course overview

This 5-week Art History course is open to everyone, whether you already have some knowledge of art history or are completely new to the subject.

Across five informal and engaging sessions, we will explore key art movements from the late 19th century through to the mid-20th century. Sessions are discussion-led, visually rich and designed to be welcoming and enjoyable, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and share reflections.

You do not need any specialist knowledge to take part – just curiosity and an interest in learning together.

Course dates and times

Saturdays | 10.30am – 12.30pm  | 28th February – 28th March

Weekly themes

Week 1 – Impressionism (28 February)
How the Impressionists got their name, challenged traditional art institutions, and became one of the most influential art movements in history.

Week 2 – Post-Impressionism (7 March)
Van Gogh and Gauguin: friendship, influence and experimentation. We will explore how Japanese art inspired new approaches to colour, form and expression.

Week 3 – Cubism, Dada and Surrealism (14 March)
From Picasso and Braque’s radical Cubism to the anti-war chaos of Dada and the dreamlike imagery of Surrealism.

Week 4 – Modernism (21 March)
Constructivism, Bauhaus and De Stijl, and how modernist ideas shaped art, design and architecture in Europe and the UK between the wars.

Week 5 – Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art (28 March)
How modern art shifted to America after World War Two, exploring Jackson Pollock and the Abstract Expressionists, before turning to Pop Art in the US and UK, including Andy Warhol and Peter Blake’s iconic Sgt. Pepper album cover.