‘The Most Discussed Painter in England’: Rediscovering John Maler Collier
A single session on campus on Saturday 21 March, 10am - 1pm
Overview
Join us as we delve into the fascinating career of Victorian artist John Maler Collier! Collier’s fame today rests upon his much-loved depiction of Lilith (1887), the archetypal femme fatale and mythical first wife of Adam, before Eve. However, his reputation as a leading artist was firmly established in his own time. A society portraitist, Collier painted many celebrated figures of the day, including Rudyard Kipling, Charles Darwin and his own father-in-law, scientist Thomas Henry Huxley, nicknamed ‘Darwin’s Bulldog’ for his support of evolutionary theory!
Collier delighted the gallery going public with the drama and ambiguity of his modern life subjects. Known as ‘Problem Pictures’, these paintings became a feature of the London social season as visitors tried to guess the story in the pictures. Collier’s history paintings similarly feature a colourful cast of characters, from the murderous Clytemnestra of Greek Myth to our own Lady Godiva.
This course will explore all this and more! We’ll address Collier’s mastery of the academic nude, his seamless blending of the Neoclassical and Pre-Raphaelite styles, and his wife Marian’s career as an artist.
This course explores the life and career of John Maler Collier. It aims to provide participants with a grounding in the different phases of Collier’s career, examining the influences that shaped his work and re-establishing him as a major artist of note. Students will gain a greater understanding of the Victorian and Edwardian art scenes, from Academic traditions to fashions in the art world, and their relationship to the public and the popular press of the day. Those attending will also gain knowledge of Collier’s fascinating and eminent family.
Our course is designed for anyone with an interest in the history of art, especially those seeking to further their knowledge of Victorian and Edwardian art and artists. No prior knowledge is needed, just a passion for exploring art.
The course is a precursor to an exhibition on John Collier at the Atkinson, Southport opening Summer 2027, of which I am Co-Curator. It provides a grounding for keen ‘gallery goers’ in anticipation of the forthcoming display of his works.
Syllabus
The course will be structured according to key aspects of Collier’s oeuvre, with more details given on the day.
Course lecturer
Dr Anna Maddison is a researcher and lecturer in the History of Art and English Literature, specialising in the Victorian era. Her doctoral thesis addressed the influence of Victorian Spiritualism upon the work of Pre-Raphaelite poet-painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti.
Anna has 20 years’ experience of designing and teaching courses in higher education, working for the University of Liverpool (Continuing Education), Liverpool John Moores University, and as a freelance lecturer. She has taught at a number of art galleries over the years, including the Atkinson, the Walker, the Lady Lever and Tate Liverpool.
Course fee
- Standard fee: £40