Art in 18th century Britain: A Golden Age

The 18^th century was an age of enlightenment and discovery which would witness the three epic voyages of Captain Cook;  a flourishing in poetry, philosophy and the sciences, and the inauguration and expansion of institutions such as The Royal Society, The Anti-Slavery League, The Royal Academy and The Lunar Society. The arts were inextricably linked to all these events and would provide an important vehicle for documenting them.  The 18^th century was also an age of aristocratic patronage and the Grand Tour, an essential component of any young gentleman’s education, which led to a huge influx of classical antiquities and contemporary works of art into British collections which had been acquired on the continent as souvenirs.

The course will explore the work of great masters such as Joshua Reynolds, Thomas Gainsborough, JMW Turner, Joseph Wright of Derby and John Constable as well as a number of foreign artists such as Pompeo Batoni and Canaletto who either lived in Britain or whose work was highly sought after by British collectors. We examine their work within its historical context and trace the development of painting during a century which heralded a new Golden Age for English art and culture.

Art History in Focus’s courses are characterised by a relaxed and entertaining learning environment, which often allows for lively discussion. Lectures last two hours with a break for refreshments, and the talks are illustrated by high quality digital images. Four of the sessions are led by our guest lecturer, Mr Leslie Primo, and the course includes a study day at the National Gallery on December 11th

Lectures are on Friday mornings and run from 11-1; doors open at 10.45.

Please note, the 9th October and 13th November will be afternoon sessions from 2.30-4.30. There is no class on 30 October.

A Christmas lunch will be arranged on December 11th after the study day, for those who would like to come.

There is a priority booking period for Friends of Art HIstory in Focus until 1st July when general booking lines will open.