Instant Expert
13 Oct 2021
Who knew there were dinosaurs in Crystal Palace? You’ll find them in the world’s first dinosaur park, which opened in 1854. Today its Grade I listed models provide a snapshot of our understanding of dinosaurs at the dawn of palaeontology. Our expert, Dr Aaron W Hunter, takes us on a tour
1 Oct 2021
Enigmatic and brilliant, the artist Frida Kahlo presented physically as a living artwork, while describing herself as ‘the great concealer’. Our expert, Fiona Rose, reveals five things you should know about the real Kahlo
16 Aug 2021
Unlocking the hidden meanings of cultural symbols sheds new light on ideas that have driven history. Our expert, Matthew Wilson, explores the tales behind five great examples
20 Jul 2021
In the first half of the 20th century, the artists spearheading British modern art looked to the coast for inspiration. The curator of a new exhibition on this subject, James Russell, reveals the results
7 Jul 2021
The British coastline was once dotted with 100 piers; today a little over half survive. But those survivors still rule the waves, says our expert, Jackie Marsh-Hobbs, and are a powerful reminder of the ingenuity of the figures who built them
14 Jun 2021
Why did art – and particularly portraiture – change so dramatically from the time of the Tudors to the Stuarts? Our expert, Sarah Ciacci, investigates
27 May 2021
Britain’s historic canal network is a giant web, extending more than 2,000 miles across England, Wales and Scotland. Most of our canals are now more than 220 years old, and each one exhibits the ingenuity and flair of the pioneering engineers who created them. Arts Society Lecturer Roger Butler takes us on a tour
26 May 2021
As gardens burst into life, now is the time to plant chrysanthemums, to flower later in the year. Once used as a herb, this perennial, says our expert, Twigs Way, comes with both a fascinating history and a deep allure for artists
26 May 2021
Georgia O’Keeffe was one of the most significant artists of the 20th century, combining the figurative and abstract to dazzling effect. This year there are three major exhibitions of her work on show in Europe. Our expert, Dr Deborah Jenner, explores the story behind her art