In this eight day course we will range far and wide to cover the dramatic history of these lands over many centuries.   We will explore the remarkable cultures of Denmark and Greenland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland.    We will learn about the role that the wild and dramatic landscape plays, and discover more about the Vikings and Norse mythology.   We will enjoy Danish design and learn about many of the gifted but largely unknown Nordic artists, musicians and writers, all of whom have made an impact on the rest of the world.

DAY 1   5 October 2026   The Vikings with Imogen Corrigan. 

Our 3 lectures today will explore the world of The Vikings, their history, where did they come from, their raids on Britain, their journeys eastwards and their art, their religion, myths and culture. 

DAY 2   2 November 2026   Sami Duodji & Greenland with Caroline Levisse                

Our two morning lectures will discover the rich artistic traditions of the Sami, the indigenous people of northern Scandinavia and Russia, their history, their historical craftsmanship and their  cultural identity. In the afternoon we will hear about the history and Culture of Greenland

DAY 3  7 December 2026   Nordic Mysteries with James Vaux

Why do we see certain genres of Nordic art but not others? Why are some Nordic artists and designers suddenly popular again.  We will also explore Nordic women painters celebrated at the fin-de-siecle and now taking centre stage again. The third lecture will re-discover Finn Juhl’s  exquisite mid-century furniture.  

DAY 4 11 January 2027  The Outliers and ‘Scandinavian Modern’ with James Vaux            For centuries at the edge of the Nordics, Finland and Iceland were marginalised by their Scandinavian overlords. But for small countries they have made a huge contribution to world culture. This day explores their global impact in art, literature and music and looks inside the homes of their greatest creatives. The third lecture will be about the hidden workings behind ‘Scandinavian Modern’.

DAY 5   8 February 2027 ‘Life of the Country’ with Kathy McLauchlan

This day will include artists colonies – including Scandinavia – at the turn of the 19th/20th centuries. The landscape and peasant life in Danish art, including Skagen and its ‘discovery’ by artists, and finally a session concentrating on Peder Severin Kroyer.

DAY 6    8 March 2027     ‘Life of Interiors’ with Kathy McLauchlan

We will look at the importance of interiors in late 19th century art including Symbolism, and the lives of women. Also, Danish interior painters including Anna Archer and L.A. Ring, and Hammershoi’s interiors with their aesthetics, meaning, and light.                    

DAY 7   5 April 2027     The Nordic Lands-born of the Landscape with Rosamund Bartlett

Ranging from Munthe’s Norwegian colour palette to the symphonies of Sibelius and experimental architecture in Copenhagen, this day of lectures will discuss the different ways in which the arts in Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland have played a crucial role in forging a unique sense of cultural identity in response to historical, political and geographical factors.                                          

DAY 8   26 April 2027      Scandinavians and the Slavs with Rosamund Bartlett

This morning’s lectures will explore the important Nordic presence in Russian culture and society before 1917, from 18th century Danish portrait painters to Swedish designers for Faberge and cultural exploration of the Far North. The afternoon will cover Ibsen, Strindberg and Chekov. The founders of modern drama.