12
June 2025

John Singer Sargent: The Private Radical

The Arts Society Teignbridge
Thursday, June 12, 2025 - 10:30
Courtenay Centre
Kingsteignton Road Newton Abbot TQ12 2QA
Online Event

This talk charts the artist’s life and his prolific output, showing that, Sargent was always on the cusp of seismic change.

Whether drawing duchesses or portraying princes, John Singer Sargent (1856–1925) was high society’s leading portraitist. Flaunting a consummate technique, his luxurious canvases mirrored his subjects’ wealth. Sargent certainly scandalised Parisian society and the city’s Salon with his frank depictions of human sexuality. This talk charts the artist’s life and his prolific output, showing that, Sargent was always on the cusp of seismic change.

THE ARTS SOCIETY ACCREDITED LECTURER

Mr Gavin Plumley

A writer and broadcaster. Appears on BBC Radio 3 and 4, and contributes to newspapers, magazines and opera and concert programmes. Lectures widely about the culture of Central Europe during the 19th and 20th centuries. Recent appearances include Klimt and The Kiss in cinemas worldwide, and talks for the Hay and Cheltenham Literature Festivals, the Royal Opera House, the National Gallery, the National Trust, the National Theatre, the British Museum and the V&A. His first book, A Home for All Seasons, is out now.

 

Please contact Gavin to discuss online lectures.