Start Date
4 November, 2025
There will be 6 weekly meetings on Tuesday, 11am - 1pm, starting from 4 November.
Overview
This fascinating course takes its inspiration from Feigel and Harris’ book (2009) Modernism on sea: art and culture at the British seaside. This book explores avant-garde art, architecture, film, literature, photography and design, from the early twentieth century to the present, setting the arrival of modernism against the background of seaside tradition.
We will follow a similar journey of discovery in this 6-week course and enjoy an exploration of the sights and sounds of the British seaside we have all probably experienced in our lives. The wide-ranging subjects will include art of the Camden Town Group and John Piper, poetry and literature of Virginia Woolf, Stevie Smith and Sylvia Plath and the art deco architecture of lidos and pavilions. We will revisit postcards, promenades and piers, but we will keep our focus on Modernism as the overarching theme and vision for this course.
No previous experience necessary for this cultural trip to the seaside!
Syllabus
Week 1: Modernism and the seaside- what do we know and understand about Modernism? What are the key themes, styles, techniques of Modernist art, architecture, literature and film?
Week 2: Modernism, the British seaside and art
Week 3: Modernism, the British seaside and architecture and design
Week 4: Modernism, the British seaside and literature
Week 5: Modernism, the British seaside and film, photography, music
Week 6: Modernism, Student research and contributions
Please note that the ‘last date available to book’ date is only a guide. We reserve the right to close bookings earlier.
In order to avoid disappointment, please be sure enrol as soon as possible. Registrations will not be processed until the following day if received after 3pm.
Course Lecturer: Dr Judith Walsh
Dr Judith Walsh is a lecturer in modern and contemporary art. Her PhD examined aesthetic, cultural and societal themes and trends of the post war period including the ‘battle’ between figurative and abstract art. Currently working for the University of Liverpool she has also taught extensively for Tate Liverpool, National Museums Liverpool and Liverpool Hope University. She is particularly interested in the collaborative nature of artistic practice and the philosophy of aesthetics and contemporary art in a globalized world.
Courses fees: Full fee £95/Concession £50.
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