Rubens - the man behind the scenes.
Highly esteemed by the mightiest kings and queens of the age, Rubens’ career as an artist is better known than that of diplomat and informal spy. Acting on behalf of the Governors of the Spanish Netherlands, Rubens met Europe’s most significant power brokers with the aim of bringing peace to his native Flanders and to Europe as a whole, during the 30 Years War. Rubens is unique in the history of art as a painter who not only depicted the great events of his age but helped to shape them.
THE ARTS SOCIETY ACCREDITED LECTURER
Mr Matthew Wilson
Secret symbols, Nazi-fighting, cultural love affairs, the ‘nude’, snowmen, and artistic espionage are among the diverse interests of art historian Matthew Wilson. Matthew studied History of Art at the Courtauld Institute and is an author, lecturer, and educator. As a freelance journalist he writes for numerous publications including BBC Culture, The Spectator, The Economist and Aesthetica Magazine. He has written two books on symbolism – ‘Symbols in Art’ (Thames & Hudson, 2020) and ‘The Hidden Language of Symbols’ (Thames & Hudson 2022) and his latest book – a introductory guide to art history – is due for publication in September 2023.
GALLERY 
OTHER EVENTS
Society
Mr Bertie Pearce
14 May 2026 - 13:15
The Community Centre, Tarporley 113a High St
Online Event
'Could it be magic?' - a surprising history.
Society
Mr Bill Powell
11 Jun 2026 - 13:15
The Community Centre, Tarporley 113a High St
Online Event
The death of 3 artists, the birth of legends ... and conspiracy theories.