2024 is the 200th Anniversary of the founding of the National Gallery. One this day we take a look at the history of this great British institution.
Programme for the Day
10.00am Registration & coffee
10.30 LECTURE ONE
1824-1838
In 1824, following increasing public pressure, Lord Liverpool’s government bought 38 Old Master paintings from the collection of John Julius Angerstein & thus the National Gallery was born. In this first lecture, we examine some of the “Angerstein 38” (including a fearsome Pope along with paintings bequeathed by Sir George Beaumont) and discover where the paintings were displayed before they found a purpose built home in Trafalgar Square.
11.30 BREAK
11.45 LECTURE TWO
1838-1914
Now in its new location, pressure builds to create a ‘survey’ collection telling a much wider story of Western European art. We meet the first Director, Sir Charles Eastlake and some of his often controversial acquisitions (including the oldest painting in the collection). We tell the story of the Art Fund and how it saved numerous works, including a Velazquez Venus that was the focus of one of the National Gallery’s most infamous security breaches!
12.45 - 13.30 LUNCH
13.30 LECTURE THREE
1914-today
The final lecture sees the National Gallery under attack in two World Wars, leading to the creation of the ‘Picture Of the Month’. We discuss the danger posed to a Duchess, and a Duke that was the subject of the only successful theft in the gallery’s history! We conclude with the much derided design of the Sainsbury Wing expansion of the gallery, and look ahead to the next chapter in the story of the gallery’s extraordinary history.
Image: Diego Delso CC. BY_SA
How to book this event:
To book your place please email Megan Bashire at meganbashir@gmail.com or call 01277 374314.
THE ARTS SOCIETY ACCREDITED LECTURER
Mr Simon Whitehouse
Simon is a (recovering) actor, lecturer, presenter, Alexander Technique and voice teacher and award winning London Blue Badge guide.
He has worked as a guide lecturer in house at Shakespeare’s Globe, the Royal Opera House, the BBC and the National Gallery guiding both public and private tours. He is on the faculty of Ithaca College and also lectures for the Blue Badge Guide training course on the performing arts and English literature.
Simon’s specialisms and passions are theatre, literature, fashion and art history but whatever the subject, Simon will weave a wonderful story from it.