Vincent Van Gogh: From Arles to Auvers
Van Gogh arrived in Arles in February 1888 with the idea of founding a studio of the south. His time there was exceptionally productive, producing many dozens of paintings, drawings and watercolours (Night Cafe, Starry Night, Sunflowers). A very broke … More details …
Empires: Part 1 – The Classical Era
This course is now fully booked. Please contact us if you would like to be added to the waiting list in case of any cancellations. This day school will explore the history of Eurasian Empires up to the end of … More details …
‘The World’s Wife’: Carol Ann Duffy
‘The World’s Wife’ is a collection of 30 dramatic monologues in which Carol Ann Duffy pursues one of her major concerns: to give voice to those in society who are not usually heard. Many of the wives portrayed may be … More details …
The colourful life of Cleopatra and her times
This course is now fully booked. Please contact us if you would like to be added to the waiting list in case of any cancellations. As with all the best stories, the truth is stranger than fiction, so come along … More details …
Baubles and beads for Christmas
Make some unique decorations to hang on the tree or to give as gifts. No stitching required and there will be lots of ribbons, threads, beads and wire to choose from. See below for examples of what you could make. … More details …
Marsden Hartley and Robert Indiana, a conversation through time
There will be three sessions making up this slightly shorter day course 1 In the first session we will study the life and work of Marsden Hartley (1877-1943). Hartley was an American Modernist, a painter, a poet and essayist. After … More details …
When England had barely begun
This course is now fully booked. Please contact us if you would like to be added to the waiting list in case of any cancellations. Sutton Hoo and the Lindisfarne Gospels provide remarkable insights into the England of the 7th century. Early … More details …
Brahms: Inspiration or perspiration?
Poor old Brahms sometimes finds himself facing undue criticism. Despite being widely recognized as one of the greatest composers in history, some people encounter challenges when trying to connect with his music. Is it due to its complexity? Or perhaps … More details …
Music from the Movies
This course is now fully booked. Please contact us if you would like to be added to the waiting list for any cancellations. Join Ben England, award-winning conductor and educator for a day exploring the origins of film music, presented … More details …
How big is infinity and other questions
Many people approach mathematics with fear and trembling. They remember it as a subject from school that was boring, pointless and difficult to understand. This course will take you down some mathematically less travelled roads. In particular, we shall look … More details …
Mozart: a life in choral music
Mozart is a legendary composer whose legacy and influence continues to impact on our lives today. Join us as we take a unique look at Mozart’s life through the lens of his writing for choir, from his earliest works to … More details …
Objects of wonder
In the Renaissance, kings and dukes, wealthy merchants and rich scholars developed a passion for collecting and studying exotic objects, animals and – sometimes – human beings. Prepare to be amazed as we unlock cabinets of curiosities and study prints … More details …
Doris Hatt and Evelyn Dunbar
Doris Hatt spent most of her life in Clevedon. A fine artist who kept apart from the establishment, she engaged with European Modernism and the use of strong colour. Her life story is equally fascinating including her politics, life partner … More details …
Religion and Ritual in Ancient Rome
We shall be looking at Roman state religion, including the Olympian gods “imported” from the Greeks and also the “home-grown” deities with the rituals and ceremonies enacted by the Romans to both honour and placate their gods. If time permits, … More details …
The Architecture of the Country House
No other country has such a variety of country houses, from the Tudor splendour of Montacute to the Baroque grandeur of Blenheim Palace. But their design can often be baffling. Why have such large houses so many interconnected rooms and … More details …