Study Days

February 27, 2013

Marie-Therese Barrett, “The Arts of Japan and Europe: Fascinating parallels and contrasts throughout history

A survey of Japanese art throughout history reveals surprising similarities but, above all, fascinating contrasts with Western art of the same period. This study day explores Japanese approaches to painting, architecture and crafts in comparison with Europe and addresses the influence of society, environment and materials on the artistic responses in different cultures.

The first session explores early approaches to religious art, beginning with prehistoric art in Japan and Europe through to the 7th-10th centuries. The second session explores architecture, manuscripts and landscape paintings in the 11th – 16th centuries. The last session is on architecture, arts and crafts and popular prints in the 17th – 19th centuries, ending in the late 19th century when East meets West in Europe and Japan revolutionised Western Art.

Marie-Therese Barrett has a BA & MA in English from Toulouse University; a BA in Oriental Art from Sophia University, Japan, and an MA in Art History, from Maryland University, USA. She was a course organiser and tutor in Japanese Art History at Temple University in Japan and a guest lecturer for the College Women's Association of Japan, Sotheby's, Christie's, V&A, Asia House and the Japan Society. Marie-Therese Barrett was Chair of the Japan Society Art Circle and served as course tutor for the Diploma in Asian Art at the British Museum and the School of Oriental and African Studies.

May 22, 2013

Alexandra Drysdale, “Pulling Pictures Apart - An interactive study day using fun exercises to deconstruct pictures.”

This study day will consist of a variety of fun and stimulating activities for everyone to participate in. Activities will involve pulling pictures apart into colour, light, composition, form, line and subject matter.

Your critical faculties will be stretched in all directions but by the end of the day you will be far more aware of the visual language that artists use. You do not need to be an art historian or an artist to enjoy this day. You just need a love of art and a playful temperament!

Lexa Drysdale gained a First in Fine Art from Chelsea School of Art and an MFA from Cambridge School of Art. She is a professional artist specialising in sculpture and live performance. Her lectures combine art historical knowledge with personal expertise in aesthetics and artistic techniques.

October 23, 2013

Tim Porter, “Saints, Signs and Symbols – Imagery in Medieval English Churches”

In the world of medieval thought, everything was connected, because everything was created. God’s purpose was made manifest through the birds and beasts, the trees, flowers and stars. It was a sort of code, which could be read like a book – and books were written, such as the bestiaries, which explained animal behaviour in moral terms. God also communicated through his saints, who kept the door ajar between this world and the next. To medieval people, saints were almost family members, and could be identified in a picture-language which we too can learn.

Medieval churches still display the code, in thousands of wall paintings and woodcarvings, stonework and stained glass. This study-day aims to give an insight; not just a catalogue of imagery, but also a key to the mindset which created it.

There will be three sessions: (1) The Code of Creation; (2) Birds, Beasts and Flowers; (3) God, Christ and the Saints.

From 1970 to 1986, Tim Porter was a composer and music director for a touring theatre company and now gives lectures based on music and medieval studies. A WEA tutor since 1979, he also lectures at five Adult Residential Colleges Association colleges. Tim Porter runs regular courses for the Corinium Museum in Cirencester and the Ashmolean in Oxford, and works as a tour guide.

February 29, 2012 
 
Vivien Heffernan, “Rembrandt:  Portraitist, Storyteller and Landscape Artist”

Rembrandt’s work displays an extraordinary depth of human understanding and compassion, which combined with a compete mastery of light and technique, makes a study of his work immensely rewarding and stimulating.  During the day we shall look at a wide range of subjects from tender portraits of his wife and family to biblical subjects such as The Prodigal Son; this work was described by Kenneth Clark as ‘the greatest picture ever painted.  Landscapes, group portraits such as The Night Watch and dignified yet poignant self-portraits will be included so that we may fully appreciate the versatility and genius of this great Dutch artist.

Vivien Heffernan is an art history tutor for the continuing education departments of Essex and Cambridge Universities, colleges and adult education organisations. She is a long-standing lecturer with the Open University on art history courses ranging from the early Renaissance to the 20th century. Vivien has wide experience as a freelance lecturer since 1988. She lectured for ADFAS in Australia and NADFAS in New Zealand. She is also a practising artist.

May 23, 2012           

Sarah Searight, “The world of Islamic Art”

The day begins with an introduction to Islam, a topic so much in the news today.  We look at the history, development, variations and traditions.  This is  followed by a lecture on the arts and architecture of the medieval Islamic world, ranging in time from the early days of Islam in the 7th century through the 15th century, and geographically through Syria, Iraq, Egypt, Iran and Central Asia.  The arts are principally decorative, to be seen not only on buildings but also on ceramics, metalwork, ivories and illustrated manuscripts.  This is a supremely colourful world which is of increasing significance today.

Sarah Searight MA has lived, worked and travelled for many years all over the Middle East, Central Asia and the Indian sub-continent and is the author of several books on the area, most recently Lapis Lazuli: in pursuit of a celestial stone. She currently lectures on and researches Islamic art history and takes art history lecture tours to the Middle East.

October 24, 2012   

Linda Collins, “Hampton Court Palace – From Henry VIII to Queen Victoria and beyond”

The day begins with an examination of the Palace from the standpoint of both Cardinal Wolsey and Henry V111 and how the architecture of the building was used to promote a powerful image.  Tudor paintings will be investigated for the meanings and reasoning behind the images, tapestry making explored and even Tudor food discussed.  The next stage will look at the rebuilding of the Palace – that by Sir Christopher Wren for William and Mary – discussing both the architecture of the building and the important role of the interior of the building in the running of a Royal Court. The last session explores more modern aspects of the Palace’s history – a ‘behind the scenes look’ including some of the more colourful Grace & Favour residents, the impact of the suffragette movement and the running of the Palace today. 
Linda Collins has been employed by the Historic Royal Palaces for the past 20 years as a guide/lecturer for VIP visits and special interest groups, with the majority of her work at the Hampton Court Palace.  She lectures regularly to groups from NADFAS, the National Trust, U3A and various universities and she works on a freelance basis at the Tate Modern and the National Gallery in London.