Once overshadowed by personal trauma, she is now acclaimed as a groundbreaking 17th century painter. Trained amid the male-dominated Roman studios, she developed a powerful expressive style that evolved with shifting artistic tastes.Her career spanned Rome, Florence , Naples and London,while adapting to regional styles. With exceptional technical skill and resilence , Gentileschi asserted herself as a leading artist across Europe, merging personal vision with the prevailing currents of Baroque art.

Surrealism defies easy definition, embracing metamorphism, ambiguity and the challenge of perception. The movement's main ideals and major figures are introduced: like Dali, Magritte and lesser known but vital artists; including key women surrealists.Rather than  a formal style, Surrealism is an evolving exploration of reality through art, inviting us to reconsider truth and illusion with 'holy disquiet' and boundless imaginative freedom.

The five pioneers of British pottery - William Morris, William de Morgan, the Martin Brothers , Sir Edmond Elton and Bernard Leach - were united by passion and creativity to create different styles of pottery. They challenged industrial norms with handcrafted beauty, and from rediscovered lustre glazes to salt -glazed eccentricity and East- West fusion , their enduring legacy shaped the evolution of studio ceramics in Britain and beyond.

The appeal for the Glasgow boys of the sensory richness of North Africa  reflects both artistic inspiration and  a taste for adventure beyond the canvas. Arthur Melville, Joseph Crawhall and John Lavery travelled thoughout new places, responding to Cairo's bustle, Tangier's luminous charm  and the wildlife they saw. While Melville's journey brought danger; Crawhall and Lavery pursued sport; giving us a completely different picture of their art.

Morton, a leading figure in modern British textile design, transformed contemporary art into sophisticated fabrics.In the late 1930s, he reimagined works by Ben Nicholson and Barbara Hepworth as jacquard weaves for luxury interiors.Morton continued post-war to align textiles with the evolvingaesthetics of mdern life, ensuring fabric remained a vital medium of artistic expression.

A remarkable range of Art Deco buildings,objects and images were created in Scotland, as architects and designers incorporated features of a movement imbued with glamour and energy into their work. Found in fashionable new villas, luxury ocean liners and the Empire Exhibition in Glasgow in 1938, as well as in everyday spaces such as shops, Lidos, tramcars, cafes, cinemas and even pithead baths 

Explore the darker and enchanting side of Christmas in thIs richly illustrated lecture. From Icelandic trolls to Dutch and Austrian folklore, discover mythical beings that punish and reward. With images of traditional costumes and age-old customs, the talk reveals a captivating world beyond Santa Claus - where Yuletide spirits embody the strange , wondrous and chilling heritage of festive traditions across Europe.

Despite their dislocation, and the obstacles they often met on arrival in the UK, those who fled here in the 1930s and 1940s had a deep , pervasive and long lasting influence. Focussing on the visual arts, we examine that impact by looking at painters, photographers and art historians such as Gombrich, Kokoschka, Moholy-Nagy and Schwitters but also the lesser known Reuss, Herman and Marie- Louise von Motesiczky.

As a musicologist and gigging musician, Sandy explores jazz's formative years , blending scholarly insight and lived performance. From blues and ragtime roots to early recordings, Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, he traces the genre's evolution up to WW11. This talk reveals jazz as both structured and spontaneous, shaped by diverse influences and rich musical expression, capturing the spirit of an iconic musical revolution.

Sculpture has the power to stop us in our tracks; awe inspiring , thought provoking or fun and amusing. Many sculptures are imbued with historical and cultural reference; eg statues represneting remarkable people of the past. Modern sculpture sees the world from perspectives that may be perplxing or enlightening. This talk explores a range of works and some intriguing stories behind them.

This lecture looks at the enormous changes in our homes over a hundred year period, encompassing aspects of household taste from Victorian clutter to the psychedelic  ' throw away' furnishings of the 1970s. Although in many ways lighthearted, the lecture examines how social upheaval , war and technical advances transformed our homes. From the 1880s, when each interior was governed by strict convention and the home was regarded as a shrine to family life, we look at how change gradually came about. The coming of electricity and central heating massively impacted the interiors of our houses.

Of all the places to be in the world at the end of the 19th C, it has to be New York. The city enjoyed unprecedented growth as new blood flowed in from all over the world. As gleaming new skyscrapers grew taller, the squalor of teeming tenements and the struggle to survive in this rapidly changing environment became rich pickings for a young group of artists seeking new inspiration. For the artists of the 'Ashcan School', nobility could be found not just in the grandiose buildings of the booming city, but in the daily lives of the labourers who built it.

One of the world's leading glass artists and  engravers, Alison's glass ranges from small intimate pieces to large scale architectural installations which incorporate light and colour.

She will exhibit many of these pieces through photographic displays to excite our feeling for glass and what it can do.

Haute Couture is an art form , inseparable from fashion, that achieved some of its finest moments during the years following WW11.During this time Paris reaffirmed its position as the Capital of Fashion and its reputation for producing the most luxurious and creative clothes that money could buy.Three names became synonymous with luxury and glamour, Dior, Balenciaga and Fath.This lecture explores the life and creative output of the three, during the period widely considered to be the zenith of French Haute Couture.

The stylistic period known as Art Nouveau, from circa 1895-1914, and the subsequent era of Art Deco, between the wars, have left us with a fascinating design heritage of pottery and porcelain, that provides the content of this talk. It includes designers from Britain, Europe and the USA. Liberally illustrated with numerous images of beautiful ceramics.

The history of this most famous of furniture firms, and an examination of pieces which exemplify the styles and techniques associated with it.

A wonderful Christmas lecture on the history of this enduring and peculiarly British institution, from its origins in the 16th C Italian commedia dell'arte through the influence of 19th C music hall to the family shows loved today. The traditions of the stories plus the               ( female) principal boy and (male) pantomine dame are examined plus anecdotes form the lecturer's years of working and appearing in pantomime.

This group of women artists and designers, who studied and worked in Glasgow at the turn of the century, became recognised as the Glasgow Girls.They contributed significantly to the development of the Glasgow style, a distinctive branch of the Art Nouveau movement. Several of them contributed work to the Suffragette banners and jewelry. Exquisite embroidery, ceramics and book illustrations were crafted, whilst Margaret MacDonald Mackintosh, who devised such beautiful gesso panels , is finally being given the recognition she deserves , emerging from under the shadow of her famous husband.

This lecture deals with the way in which science can complement connoisseurship in exposing fakes and forgeries. Methods including x-rays, pigment identification, and dating techniques , all combining to make the forger's deceptions easier to detect and the authentication of genuine art works possible. Forgers have successfully duped museums and eminent art historians ; forgeries in paintings, ceramics, stained glass; the famous Piltdown Skull and the 1933 penny are among those revealed in this lecture, and the new fakes produced by a 'mystery forger' which recently sold for millions at Sothebys.

Ancient Greek art blossomed and then the Romans took that art- the sculpture, frescoes, vase painting, architecture and so much more- and made it their own. New styles and expressions burst forth, and this vibrant cocktail created the basis for Western Art for millennia. Just what did those Greeks and Romans achieve that was so world changing? It was a mind set that established how we would look at art for centuries to come. This talk explores how and why we owe so much to the ancient Greeks and Romans .

The name Faberge resonates with many of us and conjures up images of pre- revolutionary Russia, the most opulent Easter Eggs ever prodcuced and exquisite pieces found in the most important collections in the world. The speaker will discuss the use of naturalism in the work of Faberge in an illustrated talk focusing on the firm's lesser known experiments in Art Nouveau,  as well as animal representations in hardstone carvings and the flower studies that the firm excelled in. She will also look at the naturalistic imagery incororated into objets d'art such as desk seals and caviar dishes. 

Scandinavia, Finland and the Baltic are all part of a special region, beset by darkness throughout the winter but blessed by sunlight in summer. This is a special human experience of light, subdued in the winter day, but often illuminated at night by the phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis , while being sharp and clear in the long summer days and lambent in the hours of the Midnight Sun. Artists from Nordic countries have tried to capture these qualities , and the effects of long winters and long summers upon their psyche. Justin discusses this unique aesthetic, demonstrated in paintings by Edelfelt, Jens Juel, Berndtson, Roslin, Harald Sohlberg, Munch, and many others, and as a counterpoint  examines Sweden's continuing fascination with the art of Carl Larsson, inspiration for IKEA

On Ernest Shackleton's third Antarctic expedition in 1914, his ship, the Endurance , was trapped and eventually crushed in the pack ice. After camping for 5 long months on the ice , Shackleton's men rowed to the remote Elephant Island. From there , Shackleton sailed to South Georgia, 800 miles away , for help. Over three months later he returned to rescue the crew of the Endurance. Frank Hurley, one of the great photographers of the 20th C , was the expedition's official photographer. His photographs are a visual narrative of an epic journey, which capture with great artistry, new and amazing landscapes within which an remarkable human drama is played out. The lecture captures Hurley's achievement as an Antarctic photographer in this hugely difficult arena.

Rock art has been produced in Australia since at least 40,000 years ago and probably even longer, and it continues to be produced in some regions . Major new discoveries of rock art are still being made in remote areas. This lecture presents an account of some of the major variations in both rock paintings and rock engravings , and presents a brief account of what we know of their many meanings, particularly in relation to Aboriginal creations myths and creator ancestors.

It is well known that both physical aand psychological illness can affect the creative process . Both can act as a stimulus but illness can also act as a major modifying influence on the artist's perception of the world and on an artists creative output. This lecture seeks to explore this relationship in artists such as Durer, Goya, Monet and Kahlo in an endeavour to better understand how different illnesses impacted on the genius.

Tim starts with the historical context for Constantinople and for the site of Hagia Sophia. He covers the destruction of the previous churches and shows how Justinian chose a radiacal new design for his church. The incredible speed of construction is described , as is the unparalled magnificence and beauty of the finished building. Its splendour helped to initiate Russian Orthodoxy . Tim describes fires, riots , rebellions , iconoclasm, excummunication, sackings and conquest by Islam. Great figures such as Constantine, St John Chrysostom, Justinian, the Doge of Venice, Mehmet the conquereor , several sultans, and Ataturk are woven into the story. He concludes with a 20thC building inspired by Hagia Sophia.

From their first appearance in the 1840s, Christmas cards quickly became a central element of the Christmas season. Their images demonstrate a complex mix of religious history and secular tradition, and although more recent cards have shown considerable stylistic innovation, the early designs continue to prove surprisingly resilient. This lecture traces the history of the Christmas card from its beginnings to the present day, with thoughts on its future in a world where digital communication is increasingly the norm.

Sculpture is one of he oldest and most senuous of art forms, yet still has the power to stimulate passionate debate. Drawing on examples from the ancient world, Renaissance, world cultures and current practice, this talk introducesthe materials and methods of sculpture and explores a few of the great controversies of the 2oth century including the furore around work by Jacob Epstein, Henry Moore, Carl Andre and Anthony Gormley

DR EVELYN SILBER

Educated at the Universities of Cambridge and Pennsylvania, worked at Birmingham Museums and Art Galleries, then 1995-2001, Director of Leeds Museums and Galleries. 2001-6 Director of the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, University of Glasgow. Author of books on Jacob Epstein and Gaudier-Brzeska. Has lectured for societies, universities and museums in Britain and the USA. Former Chair of Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society. Lectured for ADFAS in Australia and The Arts Society in New Zealand in 2014. Advises and leads cultural tours in and around Glasgow.

This lecture will examine how the peculiar geniuses of these two very different men, W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan , came together under the guiding hand of the impressario, Richard D'Oyly Carte, to create one of the most individual and enduring forms of theatrical entertainment . The Savoy operas , with their gently satire , celebtrate the quirks and foibles of the British nation, and are as alive today as in the 1880s. The lecture is fully illustrated with musical examples.

The 1700s was a period when the people of Britain seemed to be especailly gullible . They believed a woman could give birth to rabbits; a man could climb inside a 2 pint bottle and sing inside it ; and a blond haired European could write a book claiming that he was born in Taiwan. These hoaxes weren't just written about extensively in newspapers and journals but also brilliantly and amusingly depicted by satirical artists such as William Hogarth and James Gillray. In theis entertaining talk Ian demonstares how 18th century hoaxes are memorable not only for their imaginative nature but also because of the differing motives of the ricksters.

The intrepid Isabella Bird's fascinating accounts of her globetrotting adventures  from the 1850s offer insights into some of the challenges faced by women travellers in the mid Victorian period , as well as encouraging the growth of travel and tourisdm opportunities that helped to make the world a smaller place. Her photographic work and illustrations contributed to the emerging picture of everyday life in the East .

Anna was fifteen when she left an affectionate home in Denmark in order to marry James VI. Often dismissed as frivolous, recent research shows she became a consummate manager of the internal workings of the Scottish court  rife with conflict, thus securing her position as Queen. She prospered when James ascended the English throne , pursuing her interest  in the performing arts, architecture , gardens and jewellry.

Harry, a professional cartoonist for thirty years, has provided cartoons for high profile UK publications         ( The Guardian, Radio Times ) and countless others . Awarded UK Strip Cartoonist of the Year for his Clare in the Community; he adapted it into a Radio 4 sitcom. He traces his profession from Cruikshank and Hogarth, to Giles and Schulz. He comes up to date drawing live in the lecture . 

Prepare to hear and see some tricks of the trade.

Young Dali, son of a lawyer in Figueras in NE Spain, worked hard aping all styles, to find his kind of semi- figurative art. He settled on Surrealism producing a huge series of carefully painted canvases with multiple meanings , often featuring empty beaches populated with bizarre figures. His palette was vibrant and his virtuosity amazing. Though successful in America , he earned the nickname 'Avida Dollars ' ( anagram of Salvador Dali) from his rapaciousness.

Pilgrims often respond to an inner voice when they set out to walk in the footsteps of saints and sinners , kings, and peasants , on a path set down  when the bones of St James the Great, Jesus' Brother , were found in NW Spain , ca 830 AD. The pIlgrimage formed a spiritual barrier to the advance of islam through Spain . Peregrinos sought the salvation of their souls at the end of the known world.

The source of dreams, the poppy is a beautiful , fragile flower, with terrible power. Opium (poppy juice) is a hypnotic , bringer of delightful lethargy, relief from pain, and fearful addiction. A misused panacea to calm the disturbed, quieten agitated children and even babies.The beguiling seduction of its effects led to its use - often by those with trounbled minds - creating great works of art in music , art, and literature. Social and art history meet in this lecture.

Wodehouse, over his 75 years as a publiched author , populated Mayfair and the West End, with scores of characters in one of the most overlapping fictional worlds ever created. Moreover , Wodehuse knew the locale having lived there for several years. He borrowed the addresses of friends and colleagues to root his Lord Emsworth , Bertie and Jeeves in a real world which was vanishing even as he immortalised it.

The Lecturer is Richard Burnip

From Mary Queen of Scots and the 'Four Marys' to the modernday, this talk looks at the nation's jewels made famous through Queen Victoria's love of the country and its applied arts. Dipping in to some of the jewels in public and private collections and those jewels depicted in portraits , the talk provides insight into the proud history of Scotland's goldsmithing, jewellry and adornment.

For the old hand as much as the first time visitor, the Edinburgh festivals ( the world's largest) can be overwhelming . Running alongside in August are the International Festival, the Fringe, the International Book Festival, the Art Festival and the Military Tattoo. Mark Fisher , author of The Edinburgh Fringe Survival Guide, describes how this cultural phenomenon came to be- and how to make sense of it.

These critically acclaimed Toronto based Painters - with talismatic Tom Thomson - stormed the bastions of conservative Canadian Art in the early years of the 20th century. The Group's Landscapes of Canada 's northern lakes and backwoods , painted over a decade in a boldly post- Impressionist form, had extablished them on the international stage as members of a distinctive avant-garde style.

Andrew Prince was commissioned to design jewels for the main characters of the Downton Abbey series. This has inspired him to create a lecture based on this fascinating period and the changing styles it portrayed. Andrew guides you through the extraordinary periods and events between 1890 and 1929 , where the great fashion houses collaborated with the finest jewellers to produce works of art of outstanding quality and glittering opulence. He will show many of the pieces used in Downton.

This lecture looks at the many scenes in the tapestry and what might be learned . It is, after all,  a moral story as well as  a tale of kings and battle. Who made it, how and where? Crucial events are omitted and we can only speculate why? Woven from only 10 different colours on linen, it remains as vibrant and interesting as it was  900 years ago.

Italian art underwent a radical new direction after Filippo Marinetti published his 'Futurist Manifesto' in 1909. Several artists allied them selves to his principles and began producing art which reflected the emerging technology of the twentieth century , instead of using classical and religious themes. Important works of Umberto Boccioni, Gino Severini, Luigi Russolo, Carlo Carra and Giacomo Balla are discussed in the context of the artists' ambition to portray movement through the technique of divisionism. The relationship between the Futurists and the rise of Facism is also examined.

After World War 1, the second wave of Futurism flourished in the Italian provinces . Ivo Pannaggi and other artists centred in Macerata developed seminal works. Information will be given about where the works of Italian Futurists may be found , and how they influenced other contemporary art movemnets.

For every ache and pain, for every ailment known to man, the quack has tried to sell his wares. Indeed he has sold the worst cures for nearly everything!For centuries right up to the present day, artists have depicted the smake oil salesmen and the pseudo science on which his cures are based. I shall take you on an amusing and fascinating journey amongst the sick , the not so sick and the gullible. Beware- this is not a source of medical advice!

Mankind has always dreamed of the ability to fly. Many artists over the years have been inspired by flight, and a large body of work attests to their efforts . This talk starts with Icarus and progresses from the Monk of Malmesbury, and Leonardo, to actual flight. Many artists were aviators. Aviation drawings and paintings with striking weather and forbidding seas and landscapes show some dramatic renderings of famous events and continues  up to recent times.

In the two centuries since they were moved from the Parthenon by Lord Elgin, the meaning and significance of the ' Elgin  Marbles' has changed dramatically. From architectural decoration to disputed cultural objects, this lecture looks at the response to them over their time in Britain, from the controversy over their purchase , to the current debate surrounding their restituion to the new Acropolis Museum in Athens 

On coming to the throne, George IV instinctively understood the majesty and splendour  appropriate to the monarch of the richest and most powerful nation in the world. This lecture traces his developing taste as Prince of Wales , Regent and King, and examines connections between his royal residences , as well as his spectacular legacy to the Royal Collection.

The visionary Victorian polymath John Ruskin's passion for art, craft and social justice is celebrated in this lectuer on his extraordinary life. As writer, teacher, artist, colletcor, patron and critic, he left behind a dazzling range of works that continue to inspire and generate debate worldwide. Perhaps most famous today as a champion of Turner, admirer of Venice , and advocate of the Arts and Crafts movement.

The operas of Gilbert and Sullivan are rich in contemporary allusions and witty satire . This lecture tells how each of the 14 operas, on which the partners collaborated, drew inspiration from the world in which they lived, by drawing on celebrities , politicians, social mores, artistic taste, as well as the class system.The lecture explains how the then First Lordof the Admiralty, became the model for Sir Joseph Porter in HMS Pinafore, how Oscar Wilde inspired Bunthorne in Patience, and how Gilbert himself may have been the model for the judge in Trial by Jury.

A fascinating look at wine and its origins and all that goes with it .

Joan Eardley showed artistic talent from a young age, and after post-war studies at the Glasgow School of Art, made Scotland her home until her untimely death in 1963 aged just 42.

Joan’s work is known from her twin passions – the country and town. Country where she braved the elements to paint the wild forces of nature on the North Sea coast of Aberdeenshire,  and town where she was drawn to the equally wild elements of the Glasgow slums and painted her instantly recognisable portraits of children. She left a legacy of completely individual artworks; a raw experience of nature combined with a painfully moving expressiveness. This is her story.

Princess Ksenia’s father, King Nikola, was nicknamed ‘The Father-in-Law of Europe’ having successfully married off his daughters to the royal houses of Italy, Bulgaria, Germany, Serbia and Russia. His eighth daughter – Ksenia - chose a different route, carving out a place for herself as secretary and valued advisor to her father, becoming the first woman in Montenegro to drive, and developing a particular talent for photography (though a contemporary also described her as ‘a courageous and skilled shot with a pistol’).

Despite her privileged life of garden parties and tennis, Ksenia’s photographic record also shows how she drove out to take beautiful photographs celebrating ordinary life in Montenegro among its schools, soldiers, fishermen, cooks, horses and villages.

The work of art is not just a symbol of creative genius but a historical object and the result of a laborious process of creation. This lecture looks at the development of stained glass, its purpose, the process by which it was created and some of the extraordinary survivals. From vast cathedrals to tiny chapels, we concentrate on the great achievements of the Middle Ages but consider, too, the reasons for the decline in popularity of this once-preeminent art form and some of the projects in which it has been reconsidered and revived. 

French 17th century chateau design owes much to one man; the ambitious visionary Nicolas Fouquet who is still somewhat of an enigma today. He seemed invincible but made one  grave error of judgement  which was to lead to his downfall. He employed the country’s best talent of the day to commission a spectacular chateau for himself. In doing so he was completely outshining the Sun King; Vaux le Vicomte presented a radical new look for the century whilst Versailles was nothing more than a humble hunting lodge at the time. The story that ensues is legendary.

Le Marche is an unspoilt region in central Italy which, thanks to Papal patronage, enjoyed a flowering of renaissance art. Five hill towns, known for the beauty of their architecture and the wealth of their artistic heritage are explored.

Raphael was born in Urbino in the north of Le Marche. He lived a colourful life in several Italian towns, producing masterpieces in each one. In Fabriano the artist Allegretto Nuzi painted saints with exquisitely stencilled garments, whilst in Tolentino,  Pietro da Rimini, a pupil of Giotto, frescoed the interior of the capellone of the Basilica of San Nicola using a gorgeous colour palette. Lorenzo Lotto worked throughout Le Marche, but one of his largest and most dramatic works is hidden in the little town of Monte San Guisto.

Decorative tiles are found in churches and mosques, historic houses and private homes, restaurants, shops and hospitals. This lecture traces the history of tiles from 4000 BC, covering their development as an art form especially in the Islamic Empire and Europe. Particular attention will be focused on Dutch and Portuguese blue & white tiles and those from the Arts & Crafts movement. The lecture explains the magical glaze transformations which occur as a result of firing in different kilns and, as well as showing numerous examples from different cultures, is illustrated by slides on the tile-making process. 

On coming to the throne George IV instinctively understood the majesty and splendour appropriate to the monarch of the richest and most powerful country in the world. This lecture traces his developing taste as Prince of Wales, Regent and King and examines connections between his royal residences as well as his spectacular legacy to the Royal Collection – the greatest by any monarch since Charles I.

In the two centuries since they were removed from the Parthenon by Lord Elgin, the meaning and significance of the ‘Elgin marbles’ has changed dramatically. From architectural decoration to disputed cultural objects this lecture looks at the response to them over their time in Britain, from the original controversy over their purchase to the current debate surrounding the restitution of the marbles to the new Acropolis Museum in Athens. 

For the series Downton Abbey, Andrew was commissioned to produce many jewels for the main characters, and this inspired him to create a talk based on Downton and the changing styles of the time portrayed.

In his talk Andrew guides you through the extraordinary periods and events between 1890 and 1929, where the great fashion houses collaborated with the finest of jewellers to produce works of art of outstanding quality and glittering opulence. To accompany his study day, he brings with him many of the pieces used in Downton, so the audience can see what was worn, close up.

Inspired by the bicentenary of the birth of John Ruskin (1819 – 1900) in 2019, this lecture celebrates the extraordinary life and work of this visionary Victorian. As writer, teacher, artist, collector, patron and critic, Ruskin was perhaps the most complete polymath of the 19th century. He left behind a dazzling range of writing and collections that continue to inspire and generate debate around the world. Perhaps most famous today as a champion of Turner and admirer of Venice, Ruskin’s impact ranged far and wide; his ideas inspired the Arts and Crafts Movement and the founding of the National Trust,

This a Zoom lecture and details will be sent to members by email, with the password.

These critically acclaimed Toronto based painters with talismanic Tom Thomson stormed the bastions of conservative Canadian Art. Their landscapes of Canada’s northern lakes and backwoods, painted in a boldly Post- Impressionist style, established them on the international stage as practitioners of a distinctive avant-garde.

The human body has long been a subject for artists and art historians. From Classical Greece up till the present day this lecture explores the roles of female and male nudes. Are females always objects of desire? Are males always symbols of power? How does the nude reflect the social attitudes of the time?

This lecture looks at many of the scenes in the tapestry and what might be learned. It is a moral story as well as a tale of kings. Who made it, how and where? Crucial events are omitted and we can only speculate why. Woven from only 10 different colours on linen it remains as vibrant today as it was 900 years ago.

Assessing Lawrence’s role and achievements based on new evidence from 10 years of archaeological fieldwork along the Hijaz Railway Neil will contrast the legend of Lawrence of Arabia with the true story of what happened in the desert  war of 1916-1918, the Great Arab Revolt.

The mild winter climate was the antithesis of the snow and smog of Northern Europe attracting an influx of the wealthy and fashionable. Villas of amazing magnificence, indulgence and originality gave the coast a reputation for sensuality and a douceur de Vie. The 19th century no-go area became the first tourist resort.

The development of the residential interior from the 17th to the 21st century. Examining ways in which historical spaces from cottages to mansions may be re-interpreted to accommodate contemporary living with an inspirational selection of interior designs.

An illustrated talk starting with an overview of Bach’s life and many achievements: we explore how he marshals the powers of music to bring the Christmas story alive. This magnificent masterpiece, written in 1730s Liepzieg, still lifts and enhances the human spirit today.

Pilots became knights jousting in winged mechanical steeds. Both the British and the Kaiser depicted themselves as St George fighting a foul, demonic enemy. Angels from Pre Raphaelite art were made manifest over the fields of France as fantasy clashed with the desperate reality.

Charles H Mackie was educated in Edinburgh. His travels took him to Venice and France where he met Gaughin and Les Symbolists. Hornell welcomed him to Kirkcudbright which proved inspirational for him. He used an impressive range of media: oils, watercolours, murals and woodblock prints.

Ruling in the 3rd century AD the reforming Roman emperor Diocletian’s most enduring legacy is probably his building schemes including his monumental palace at Split. We examine the palace and consider its impact on the young Robert Adam plus its influence on neo-classicism of the 18th century.

Russian icons are among the most beautiful works of art in the world, but are little understood. This talk addresses the nature of icon painting; emerging from the glory of the Byzantine world to become a distinctive expression of Russian Orthodox spirituality.

The most sensational art thefts in history

Art theft is the 3rd largest international crime after the selling of drugs and arms. Stolen Masterpieces looks at famous works of art that have been stolen, and considers why thieves steal, the appeal of famous masterpieces and the implications of this.

The Bowes Museum, housed in a ‘French Chateau’ on the edge of the Pennines, has an important display of art, ceramics, furniture and textiles, most of which were collected by John and Josephine Bowes.

Not a condominium in sight! This lecture takes us from modest Victorian Cottages via enormous resort hotels pioneered in the late 19th century to modest and practical winter estates and extravagant Italian Villas.

By the second half of the eighteenth century, a number of highly educated Scotsmen, had all but cornered the market as guides and mentors to British tourists in Rome and Naples.  These ‘men o’ pairts’ represented the Scottish Enlightenment abroad.