he Arts Society South West Area Announces 2026 “Decoding History’s Art” Courses – Exeter Celebrates 20 Years of Excellence

The Arts Society South West Area is delighted to announce its 2026 “Decoding History’s
Art” courses, led by Arts Society lecturer Dr Geri Parlby, offering two captivating five-day
journeys through 18th- and 19th-century European and British art.
In 2026, the Exeter course proudly celebrates its 20th anniversary, and the Taunton
course its 10 th anniversary, remarkable milestones that reflects two decades of inspiring
learning, exploration, and cultural enrichment for audiences across the region.
Course 1 – Exeter: From Satire to Splendour: European Art’s Great
Transformation (1700–1900)
Dates: 13 & 20 February and 6, 13 & 20 March 2026 (10:00am–3:30pm)
Venue: The Rougemont Room, Exeter Library, EX4 3PQ
This landmark anniversary course charts the sweeping changes in European art from the
sharp social commentary of William Hogarth to the bold realism of Courbet and Manet.
Explore the elegance of Reynolds and Gainsborough, the revolutionary zeal of David and
Goya, the passion of Romanticism with Turner and Constable, and the Victorian imagination
of Alma-Tadema and Leighton.
Highlights include:
 Hogarth’s satire and the ‘Grand Manner’ of Reynolds and Gainsborough
 Enlightenment, revolution, and the genius of Francisco de Goya
 The rise of Romanticism with Blake, Fuseli, Turner and Constable
 Victorian fantasy and imperial vision in the works of Landseer and Alma-Tadema
 The dawn of Realism and plein air painting with Courbet, Millet, Manet, and the
Barbizon School
Price: £150 (includes coffee)
Contact: 

Course 2 – Taunton: Romantics, Rebels, and Reformers: Art in the Age of
Empire and Industry (1840–1890)
Dates: 19 & 26 February and 5, 12 &19 March 2026 (10:30am–3:30pm)
Venue: The Museum of Somerset, Taunton, TA1 4AA

Now in its tenth year, this popular course delves into the radical artistic transformations of
the Victorian era. Discover how artists challenged tradition and responded to empire,
industrialisation, and social upheaval, creating some of the most imaginative and socially
conscious art of the 19th century.
Highlights include:
 The dreamlike visions and imperial spectacle of Landseer, Alma-Tadema and Dadd
 The rise of Realism and plein air painting with Courbet, Millet, and Rosa Bonheur
 The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood’s challenge to academic norms
 William Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement’s design revolution
 Victorian art with a social conscience: Watts, Fildes, Herkomer, and Holl
Price: £150 (includes coffee)
Contact: 

A Celebration of Learning and Legacy
The “Decoding History’s Art” programme which is also being relaunched at The Box
Plymouth, later this year, has been a cornerstone of adult arts education in the South West
for two decades, inspiring scores of attendees with Dr Parlby’s lively and insightful teaching.
This anniversary year is a chance to celebrate not only the richness of European art history
but also the enduring value of shared cultural learning.
New participants are warmly encouraged to join these courses – no prior knowledge is
required, only a love of art and history.