Start Date
Tuesday 15 July 2025, 11am - 4pm
Overview
Almost a millennia ago a Welsh Monk, Geoffrey of Monmouth, created one of history’s most enduring myths, the legend of King Arthur. These tales of a Dark Age British King, his fellow Knights of the Round Table, the immortal Merlin and of course the sword Excalibur, have inspired the creation of a variety of artworks across the centuries. But it was in the 19th Century that the fashion for all things Medieval gripped Victorian Britain, why was this? Why did the most technologically advanced, militarily successful and commercially prosperous nation of the age seem so willing to embrace a myth? Has Britain always been a country which revers the ‘Good Old Days’, if so, how and why can we discern evidence for this? This course considers those artworks created in the 19th Century which sought to channel the spirit of that supposed golden chivalric age.
Not only will we consider a range of works, including some architectural examples, but we shall also explore what these artworks tell us about Victorian Society. The aim is that you will never look at Victorian Art quite in the same way ever again.
This course does not require any knowledge of the period. This survey seeks to introduce you to works you may not have considered. The approach is multidisciplinary hence students of history, literature as well as the arts are very welcome.
Syllabus
• 11am–12am – Session 1, Arthurian Myths and their pre Victorian influence
• 12am–1pm – Session 2, Victoria, Albert and Medieval Fantasy
• 1pm–2pm – Lunch Break
• 2pm–3pm – Session 3, The Battle of Styles
• 3pm–4pm – Session 4, The Oxford Union Murals
Please note that the ‘last date available to book’ date is only a guide. We reserve the right to close bookings earlier if courses are over- or under-subscribed. 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: Ed Williams
Ed Williams is an Art Historian who studied under Prof. Janina Ramirez at Oxford. He works at TATE Liverpool, he is a regular contributor to on-line publications, writing in the field of art history and art critique. His work involves regularly leading groups through exhibitions and giving public lectures, he previously taught undergraduate and postgraduate students at a number of Universities including the Department of Continuing Education at the University of Liverpool..
Courses fees: Full fee £70
Back to: Continuing Education