Trolloping along
We will focus on Trollope’s Dr Thorne and Framley Parsonage, continuing the Barchester Chronicles series. It is not necessary to have read the earlier books to enjoy this course. … More details …
Three Great Cathedrals
It is probably fair to say that the Medieval Cathedrals are the ultimate expression of British Architecture. A product of unshakable Christian faith, they represented for many the concept of the Heavenly Jerusalem on Earth as described in the Book … More details …
Masters of the Western: John Ford vs Howard Hawks
John Ford and Howard Hawks were, arguably, the greatest directors in the history of the western genre. However, their themes and styles varied considerably: Ford’s central concerns were the family and community while Hawks’s heroes tended to be self-reliant individuals. … More details …
Bird Poems of the Romantic Poets
The bird is traditionally an image of the poetic voice and, as such, held much appeal for poets of the Romantic period. We shall read about the nightingale and the skylark, of course, but also the snipe and the owl, … More details …
Great Art – Great Literature
How have some of the best minds responded to art? This course examines a series of great artworks—from Brueghel to French Impressionism—then analyses some of the literature written in response.
The other novels of Wilkie Collins
Wilkie Collins is probably best know as the writer of The Moonstone and The Woman in White. However, he wrote many other novels and this course will study No Name and Armadale. We will consider these novels in their wider … More details …
Wild Girls in Paris
Colette, Romaine Brooks, Gertrude Stein—this course explores Paris and some of its famous female inhabitants. It will feature a case study of the bohemian muse, including Kiki of Montparnasse and the notorious Marchesa Casati.
Reappraising Hannah More: a journey in local and national history
Hannah More (1745-1833) has for a long time been a neglected figure of the Eighteenth century, except perhaps for her enduring legacy in the Mendip schools and Somerset villages. Despite being one of the most influential cultural figures of her … More details …
Beethoven and the early Romantics
Exploring the musical development of the 19th century Romantic era, beginning with the later compositions of Beethoven, and discussing the wonderful instrumental, vocal and piano music of Schubert, Brahms, Schumann, Mendelssohn and Chopin.
Looking after No 1
A positive, constructive, practical workshop explaining the basics of good physical and mental health, what we can do and how, including:- • what is health and benefits of health • the immune system – what it does and how to … More details …
Painting and Film in the 20th Century
Film is regarded as the main visual art form of the 20th Century; it has had a close relationship to painting from its very beginning. This study day will take a look at how the influence of painting on film … More details …
Women in Ancient Rome
This day school focuses on the women in Roman society including childhood, education, marriage and motherhood. Through contemporary art and literature, we examine their status, both social and legal and also consider a few individual women and the influence they … More details …
Positive Psychology and the Science of Human Flourishing
Positive Psychology is the scientific examination of the sources, experience and consequences of human flourishing. This course will examine the evidence supporting the development of positive human experiences and explore what we can do individually and collectively to develop wellbeing.
New Crafts: Soapmaking
An informative and practical workshop – explore the history of soap, its ingredients and make a batch to take home. This workshop will cover the history of soap and look at ingredients that go in to handmade artisan soap. We … More details …
Reading 1951: John Wyndham, Daphne du Maurier and Graham Greene
Discuss The Day of the Triffids, My Cousin Rachel, and The End of the Affair. We’ll look at characters, settings, motivations and common themes. Any unabridged copies are suitable. Please read chapters 1 – 8 of The Day of the … More details …