Now in its 16th season, this eight-lecture series offers a rich and immersive journey through art, culture, and history, exploring centuries of creativity, craftsmanship, and visual storytelling. Each illustrated talk begins with a welcoming gathering, where members and guests can meet like-minded people while enjoying a juice or glass of wine, creating a convivial atmosphere and setting the stage for an engaging and memorable evening.

The series opens by bringing to life Britain’s medieval and early modern treasures, from goldwork, jewels, and silverware to illuminated manuscripts and cathedral art, celebrating the skill, vision, and dedication of the nation’s finest craftsmen and patrons. It then explores the remarkable contributions of women artists, from Renaissance portraitists and still-life pioneers to Impressionists, modern sculptors, and contemporary innovators, uncovering the enduring influence of those whose talents were long overlooked. The cultural and visual history of festive foods is traced from medieval boar’s heads and 17th-century mince pies to the almost forgotten Twelfth Night cakes, illustrated through manuscripts, paintings, and cookbooks. Jewellery is explored as a deeply personal and symbolic art form, while post-WWII Parisian haute couture is celebrated through the luxurious, creative, and glamorous designs of Dior, Balenciaga, and Fath. The series also examines a famously witty and irascible artist through his iconic works, reveals how Spanish masterpieces by Velázquez, Murillo, and Goya came to British collections, and concludes with the depiction of parties, dances, and merrymaking in Western art, from Greek mosaics to twentieth-century paintings.

Across all eight lectures, participants will enjoy not only insightful and beautifully illustrated talks but also the opportunity to connect with fellow art enthusiasts, making this 16th season a celebration of both learning and community.