Max Jones explores how a single painting defied the critics to inspire the nation.
George William Joy’s painting of the death of General Gordon in 1885, 'murdered' on the steps of the governor’s palace in Khartoum by the Mahdi's dervishes, was ignored by critics and dismissed as inaccurate by scholars. In spite of such indifference, over the next century Joy's depiction of a heroic officer battling 'natives' was reproduced again and again in books and films, comics and toys. Using a wealth of unpublished illustrations, this lecture will explore why Joy’s vision inspired generations and came to define how the British empire was remembered: as a force for good promoting civilization over savagery.
How to book this event:
Booking not necessary.
THE ARTS SOCIETY ACCREDITED LECTURER
Dr Max Jones
Formerly a Fellow and Director of Studies in History at Christ's College, Cambridge, Max now teaches at the University of Manchester and has previously won the university’s ‘Teacher of the Year’ award. He specialises in the cultural history of war and heroism, and is currently writing a new history of British heroes. Public lecturing is Max’s passion. Alongside lectures at Manchester and other universities, he has spoken about his research to public audiences throughout the UK and beyond, from the Isles of Scilly to Hobart, Tasmania.
OTHER EVENTS
Society
Mr James Butterwick
18 Jun 2024 - 11:30
Manx Museum
1 Kingswood Grove
1 Kingswood Grove
Online Event
James Butterwick describes the history of 24 dubious painting and how they were faked.