Romantics, Rebels, and Reformers:

This popular 5 day course is celebrating its tenth anniversary year. Do join us for another
captivating journey in good company, as we explore the radical transformation of art from
1840–1890, when artists challenged tradition and responded to the age of empire,
industry, and social change. From romantic fantasy to realism and reform, this course
takes you on a journey through the imaginative, rebellious, and visionary art movements of
Victorian Britain and France.
There will be 5 one day sessions, on the 19th & 26th February and the 5th, 12th & 19th
March 2026, each running from 10.30am – 3.30pm. The cost for the 5 days is £150
including coffee.
Dr Geri Parlby has a most informative and lively style of presentation and questions are
encouraged. It will be a small group with numbers limited to a maximum of 30.
New participants are most welcome – no prior knowledge is required only a love of art and
history.

Session 1: Last of the Romantics - Victorian Fantasy, Empire & the Unconscious .
Discover dreamlike visions and imperial spectacles of Landseer, Alma-Tadema, Leighton
and Dadd.

Session 2: Art for the People - Realism & Painting en Plein Air with Courbet and
Millet’s labourers to Rosa Bonheur’s animals in motion—witness art taken outdoors and
grounded in real life.

Session 3: The Beautiful Revolt - Pre-Raphaelites and the Power of Beauty Meet Hunt,
Millais, Rossetti, and the PRB as they challenge academic norms with passion, colour, and
medieval inspiration.

Session 4: Rebels, Radicals & Arts and Crafts - From Aesthetic Rebellion to Design
Revolution Follow the evolution from Pre-Raphaelite ideals to the social vision of William
Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement.

Session 5: Art with a Social Conscience - Victorian Art and Social Reform See how
Watts, Fildes, Herkomer, and Holl used art to confront poverty, injustice, and the harsh
realities of industrial life.