The British coastline was once dotted with 100 piers; today a little over half survive. But those survivors still rule the waves, says our expert, Jackie Marsh-Hobbs, and are a powerful reminder of the ingenuity of the figures who built them

Britain’s historic canal network is a giant web, extending more than 2,000 miles across England, Wales and Scotland. Most of our canals are now more than 220 years old, and each one exhibits the ingenuity and flair of the pioneering engineers who created them. Arts Society Lecturer Roger Butler takes us on a tour

Georgia O’Keeffe was one of the most significant artists of the 20th century, combining the figurative and abstract to dazzling effect. This year there are three major exhibitions of her work on show in Europe. Our expert, Dr Deborah Jenner, explores the story behind her art

While the Newlyn and St Ives colonies are well documented, in the late 19th and for much of the 20th century, the village of Polperro was also considered a leading art centre, described as ‘the haunt of half the artists in Britain’. Yet today visitors to this picturesque spot can come away unaware of its artistic heritage. Arts Society Lecturer David Tovey explores the story

By the time of her death in 2008 Mary Newcomb’s work was celebrated for its exquisite rendering of nature and wildlife