Auguste Rodin was a titan of 19th- century art. Once internationally celebrated, Rodin’s reputation initially declined after his death. Today, he is reassessed as a revolutionary figure who modernised sculpture, single-handedly mirroring the impact of Impressionism This lecture explores his monumental career, his depiction of the female form, and his enduring relevance.

Historically, vibrant pigments were rare and exotic. Before organic chemistry, artists relied on global trade and alchemy—sourcing materials from crushed insects to remote mountain rocks. These recipes were so valuable that artists guarded them in Books of Secrets.

The gripping, sometimes hilarious story of how heroic curators and custodians saved Britain’s national heritage during our Darkest Hour. As Hitler’s forces gathered on the other side of the Channel, men and women from London’s national museums, galleries and archives forged extraordinary evacuation plans for their collections.

As Rock ‘n’ Roll faded by 1960, the Beatles emerged to shatter records and redefine music. This story covers the early 60s—an era of unparalleled innovation—exploring the major artists, iconic songs, and pivotal genres that shaped one of history’s most creative musical periods for a new generation.

Thomas Gainsborough mastered portraiture by capturing not only the face but the clothing of his sitters, rendering the shimmer of silk and texture of wool. Rejecting stylized costumes, he insisted on accurate contemporary dress. His rich paintings are a Georgian fashion parade, featuring everything from elite elegance to humble workwear.

One of Britain’s most famous and popular artists of the mid-20th century, Dame Laura Knight achieved numerous firsts for women in art. Entering art school at just 15, she maintained a prolific career spanning painting, ceramics, and printmaking. This talk explores her diverse subjects—from Cornish landscapes and ballet to the Nuremberg Trials.

Working as an artist within the Criminal Justice System in England and Germany has given Angela insights into the destructive cycle of crime, prisons and re-offending. In this talk she offers a deeper understanding of the minds, lives and challenges of offenders.

Begun in the 15th century and completed in 2015, the complex of buildings which make up the Central Bodleian Library site in Oxford offer a fascinating lexicon of architectural styles and tastes. This talk takes us on a unique journey through time and space in the heart of the University.

This lecture explores how Italian Renaissance urban palaces shaped the visual arts. Significantly many of the paintings, sculptures and decorative objects from this period were originally intended for the domestic interior. Drawing on historical sources, the opulence of the Renaissance palace interior is vividly recreated in all its splendour.

Preserving a book’s physical structure is just as vital as saving its words. The National Trust treats its 450,000 volumes as historical artifacts, where every stain or binding detail tells a story. Conservation ensures these “objects” survive modern research and visitor engagement while remaining authentic links to the past.