Reading Paintings: the Restoration
The return of Charles II in 1660 changed English history, literature, and society. This course traces the changing tastes of the day, with a special focus on the links between art and social history. Contains a case study of Sir … More details …
1959: the year that changed Jazz
A course for both beginners and experienced jazz fans – we will explore the origins and development of The Blues and Jazz, with a particular focus on 1959 when some of the most essential albums in the genre were recorded, … More details …
The Tudors
The Tudor monarchs are a perennial favourite in film and popular fiction – but sometimes this distorts our understanding. This course will cover the key elements and events of each reign, discussing new scholarship and research, and discussing the local … More details …
Reading 1968: Muriel Spark, Barry Hines and Elizabeth Taylor
Discuss The Public Image, by Muriel Spark, A Kestrel for a Knave, by Barry Hines, and The Wedding Group, by Elizabeth Taylor. We will be looking at each novel in turn, and thinking about the worlds they project, and the … More details …
Constable, Turner and Joseph Wright of Derby
John Constable, Joseph Wright, and J. M. W. Turner are three giants of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century British art. Each possessed special qualities in their painting that set them apart from their contemporaries. We analyse the qualities of their major works … More details …
Still Life – a bigger picture
A study day examining the genre of Still Life painting. The emphasis of the day will be allegory, metaphor and narrative. We will follow the development of the Still Life from the Renaissance to the 21st Century and try to … More details …
Ted Hughes: the early years
After a writing career which spanned over 40 years, Hughes’ literary heritage is not only vast, but covers most genres, including not only poetry, but translations of the works of other poets and prose writers, short stories for children and … More details …
Maths for the Terrified
Were you bored by maths at school? Did you ever have an interesting maths lesson? Does algebra make you anxious? Are you puzzled by probability? Did you never get the measure of geometry? Do prime numbers perplex you? How can … More details …
Craft: Making fabric boxes
We will be learning how to design and make fabric covered boxes using a simple technique based on 19th Century French Cartonnage. No sewing is required and it is suitable for absolute beginners. During the class you will be able … More details …
Craft: Bead and Wire Jewellery
Learn how to make a necklace and a pair of earrings. Some examples are shown below. We will look at different ideas and techniques for you to create your own unique pieces. No experience needed. All materials provided. Approx £5 … More details …
Reading Paintings: Great Collections
This course explores some of the great collections in art history, from the Stuart kings to the Hugh Lane Collection of impressionist paintings. Contains a case study of Evelyn Waugh – his art collection as well as his taste in … More details …
Craft: Quilt-as-you-go
Learn many different P&Q techniques while making this Sampler lap quilt. Taught using a Quilt-As-You-Go method so that each of the blocks is ‘finished’ by the time they are joined together. Relaxing hand sewing (but can be machined at home!). … More details …
The Enthralling Chamber Music of Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
Schubert’s contribution to the 19th century is unparalleled, with many of his works revered as absolute masterpieces. This six week course will explore Schubert’s huge contribution to chamber music, including his Lieder (secular songs for solo voice), his solo piano … More details …
The Small House at Allington: Trollope
The fifth novel of the Barchester Chronicles is The Small House at Allington. This novel introduces us to a new range of characters whilst still maintaining contacts with established favourites. The story concentrates around Lily Dale a character about whom … More details …
The Coen Brothers: from Blood Simple to Buster Scruggs
From their 1984 debut, Blood Simple, to their latest film, the Netflix funded The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, Joel and Ethan Coen have established themselves as a unique creative force in modern cinema. The day will examine how, with films … More details …