Bohemians in Paris
Paris is a magnet for talent, much of it existing on the margins of conventional society. Many of these bohemian figures would later become the centre of the art establishment. This course explores Modigliani, Picasso, Man Ray, and more.
More details ...Medieval Craftsmen
They were the elite of the workforce who created the great woodcarvings, wall paintings, stone carvings and stained glass. This is a journey through their works and their worlds.
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 …
Realism and Tinsel: The Representation of Women in British Films 1939-1945
In 1943 Michael Balcon, head of Ealing Studios, contrasted the “tinsel” of “escapist” fare to the “realism” of the more down-to-earth films he advocated in time of war. The day will look at the ways in which women were represented … More details …
Americans in Paris
Paris has been a catalyst for some of America ’s finest thinkers and creators. From Thomas Jefferson to Gene Kelly, this course explores their reasons for going there and the work they produced. The main focus will be art (Sargent, … More details …
Landscapes in Literature
An exploration of British landscape writing through selected texts of poetry and prose, from 19th century industrial and post-industrial landscapes, to the ‘new nature writing’ of the 21st century.
More details ...New Crafts: Mosaics
Another opportunity to observe some of the techniques involved in creating a mosaic and to complete a small panel to take home. Cutting tools and all materials provided (small extra cost). Check out Frankie’s website https://frankiehudsonmosaics.co.uk
More details ...100 years of Suffrage: Votes for Women (& Men)
The scene is set with a run through the electoral reform acts of the 19th Century before looking at the emergence of the Suffragists and the campaign of the Suffragettes, including those in Bristol. At the end of the day, … More details …
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 Paintings: The Shock of the New
From Van Gogh to Picasso, this course focuses on the early days of modern art. There will be a case study of Futurism and artistic reactions to the First World War. Post-Impressionism, Cubism, Wyndham Lewis and Vorticism, Surrealism, Dada: Duchamp … More details …
Villanelles, Sonnets and Sestinas
Certain poetic forms have an enduring appeal for poets and readers alike. We shall read and discuss a variety of these, exploring the ways in which metre, rhyme and repetition contribute to a poem’s overall effect.
More details ...Women Artists of the 20th Century
The ‘art world’ like most places, is a male domain. Women artists are often marginalised and overlooked. Througout the day, we will not only study the lives and work of the women who contributed to the creative output of the … More details …
The Story of the Blues
Explore the social history that brought about Blues music and gain an understanding of its nature and origins.
More details ...Reading Paintings: La Belle Epoque
From 1870 to World War 1, the French Third Republic produced some amazing art. This course focuses on key figures such as Manet, Monet, Degas, Renoir and Toulouse-Lautrec. Explore their studios, follow them to the Moulin Rouge and discover what … More details …
Thomas Hardy and Gerald Finzi
Thomas Hardy was one of the greatest of English poets, Gerald Finzi one of the subtlest and most sensitive of composers. The conjunction of the two led to a miraculous fusion – songs which are truly more than the sum … More details …