Appreciate art through learning

Our Art History courses will give you a deeper understanding of what you're looking at. When it comes to art, everyone's has their own opinion on which artist is better than the other, and what their most famous work signifies.

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Through exploring the world of art history, you'll be learning about why pieces are made in the first place and what the pieces mean. You will also examine how that’s changed over a period of time, as well as the impact it’s had on society. 

You’ll be taught about many of the aspects from the art creation process, such as the materials used in artworks, and how different kinds of artists contribute differently in expressing their ideas through freehand drawing or digital media. 

Whether you're a seasoned art appreciator or a newbie, there's something here for everyone. From exploring art painted by Salvador Dali or learning all about the history of Nordic Art from the Viking era, we have a selection of online and in-person art history courses from different decades to choose from.  

Attend an Art History course near you  

Whether you choose to learn from the comfort of your own home, or opt for a space in your local community, you’ll be taught by a talented tutor who is an expert in their field. 

The support you’ll receive on our Art History courses

Your tutor will encourage you to develop an understanding of Art History that goes beyond what's on the surface, motivating you to truly immerse yourself in the subject. It’s our learning experience that sets us apart too, with an encouraging environment that ensures you attend each session with the excitement to learn.   

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Art Appreciation: Art and About: Hyde Park Statues and Monuments

Part of the WEA Art and About Festival! This is a walking tour of Hyde Park's statues and monuments. Hyde Park is 140 hectares in area. It is an historic Grade I-listed urban park in Westminster, Greater London. A Royal Park, it is the largest of the parks and green spaces that form a chain from Kensington Palace through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, via Hyde Park Corner and Green Park, past Buckingham Palace to St James's Park. Hyde Park is divided by the Serpentine and the Long Water lakes. For several centuries Hyde Park has been enriched by the installation of many statues and monuments. Enjoy this leisurely stroll around the park and learn about its fascinating history. Meet 10.30 am on Friday 14 June 2024 in front of Apsley House - 149 Piccadilly, London W1J 7NT. NOTE The house is on the west side of Park Lane, at the south end, by Hyde Park underground station.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 14/06/2024 -
Fri 14/06/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Meeting Point: Apsley House
149 Piccadilly
London
London
W1J 7NT
Tutor:
Colin Lomas
Course code:
Q00014317
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £10.00

Art Appreciation: Art and About: From Trafalgar Square to Westminster Bridge

Part of the WEA Art and About Festival 2024! A wonderful walking tour of central London. In central London there is a plethora of art which is visible in the streets. There are self-standing statues, statues carved on many buildings, ornamentations on buildings in every style – Gothic, classical, Baroque. Starting from Trafalgar Square we will enjoy the buildings starting with the National Gallery and Saint Martin-in-the-Field. From the square itself the route is down Whitehall, past many government buildings, to the sculptures in Parliament Square, Westminster Abbey, Saint Margaret’s, the Palace of Westminster. The tour will finish on Westminster bridge, enjoying the splendid views of old and new buildings. On the tour you will learn about architectural styles and many famous people. Meet 2.00 pm on Friday 14 June 2024 on the pavement by the main entrance to the National Gallery Trafalgar Square London WC2N 5DN

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 14/06/2024 -
Fri 14/06/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Meeting Place:The National Gallery (Lond
Trafalgar Square
London
WC2N 5DN
Tutor:
Colin Lomas
Course code:
Q00014296
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £10.00

Art Appreciation-'Art History and Sketching Tour: Southampton City Art gallery'.

This course will take place in Southampton City Art Gallery, which has the most extensive collection of art in the region. The collection covers six centuries of European Art in a stunning 1930’s building, part of the civic complex, and Southampton’s cultural quarter. The course will begin with a tour of art on display, featuring highlights in an interactive discussion. The Gallery is fully accessible, with lightweight portable seats; participants will be encouraged to select a few artworks to sketch – suitable for complete beginners as tuition on this will be given during the session. Be inspired by this world class collection on our doorstep and meet likeminded people in a stimulating setting

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 15/06/2024 -
Sat 15/06/2024
Times:
10:15am - 1:15pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Southampton City Art Gallery - Education
Civic Centre
Commercial Road
Southampton
SO14 7LP
Tutor:
Abi Kremer
Course code:
Q00014824
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £12.60

Art Appreciation: Egyptian Treasures of the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford (In-Person Gallery Tour)

This course is an in-person gallery tour exploring the ancient Egyptian collection of the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. In 2 hours we will tour both famous pieces including the Scorpion Macehead and Taharqa Shrine, alongside many lesser known gems of the Egyptian collection. On arrival please come to the main museum entrance on Beaumont Street. We will meet to the left of the front door in Gallery 21 by the sculptures where there is seating. If you are late please proceed directly to the Egyptian Gallery also on the Ground Floor at the other end of Room 21.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 19/06/2024 -
Wed 19/06/2024
Times:
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Meeting Poing: Left Of Gallery 21 Door
Ashmolean Museum
Beaumont St
Oxford
Oxford
OX1 2PH
Tutor:
John Billman
Course code:
Q00015234
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
3 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £8.40

WEA Membership

For just £15 a year, you can:

  • Join our popular, award-winning weekly lecture series,
  • Access an archive of over 100 past lectures,
  • Get priority online and phone booking for autumn courses (England only),
  • Receive our Highway magazine and access back issues,
  • Attend our members’ annual conference.

Just add us to your basket to sign up today!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
WEA Membership

Art Appreciation: The Art and Artists of World War One

In this course, we will explore the visual culture in Europe during World War One. From official war art, to soldiers’ sketchbooks, from world-famous artists to anonymous draughtsmen, we will study and discuss a broad range of attitudes to war. We will study many British artists, but also German, French, Italian, and American ones. We will study great works of art, learn a lot about the history of the war from a British and Western perspective, and discuss the role of art and artists during wartime, as well as in the aftermath of a war.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 20/06/2024 -
Thu 18/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00015071
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
Waiting list
Fee range
Free to £37.00

Art Appreciation: Art of the 19th and 20th Centuries

Modern Art’ arouses strong feelings - like it or loathe it! Explore Constable and Turner, understand the Pre- Raphaelites and the Impressionists. Trace the development of ‘Modern Art’ from the beginnings with Cezanne, through the revolutions of Picasso and Mondrian, to the British artists such as Tracy Emin and Antony Gormley. Discuss whether ‘found art’ such as Duchamp’s ‘Fountain’ or Tracy Emin’s ‘My Bed’ are really art at all. Examine the importance of modern art galleries. Understand the contexts and the development which have influenced art in the twentieth century.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 20/06/2024 -
Thu 18/07/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
David Brindley
Course code:
Q00015237
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

Art Appreciation: The National Gallery: History and Highlights (online)

In 2024, the National Gallery celebrates the 200th anniversary of its foundation. This is a great occasion to come back on the gallery’s fascinating history, from 1824 to 2024, and discover some of the collection’s highlights. Why was the National Gallery created, and how? What does it mean to be “the nation’s painting collection”? How do acquisitions happen? What are the visitors’ favourite paintings? How are the paintings preserve? We will answer these questions and more over this course.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 20/06/2024 -
Thu 18/07/2024
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00015344
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

History: Art and About: Exploring the Southbank

Part of the WEA Art and About Festival 2024! Exploring the Southbank area, this is a heritage guided walk on Thursday 20th June, meeting at 11am by the ticket barriers of Blackfriars station south side of the river Thames, and ending near Waterloo station. Come and explore the Southbank area famously known for its culture and tourism. Once one of London's most polluted neighbourhoods, we will explore how it has evolved into a tree lined riverside neighbourhood that is loved today and attracts millions of visitors.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 21/06/2024 -
Fri 21/06/2024
Times:
11:00am - 12:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Meeting Point: Blackfriars Station
Southside
Southside
London
SE1 9UD
Tutor:
Selina Rice
Course code:
Q00014741
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £7.50

Art Appreciation: Indigenous Artwork- Sami, Aboriginal, Native American and more

In this course, we will focus on artworks that are rarely studied in themselves: the art objects and artworks created by indigenous peoples. Come and learn about the artistic traditions of Native American peoples, of the Sami, of Aboriginal Australians, and more. You will discover cultures that are under-represented within the art world. We will discuss the styles, and types of art and craft that are favoured by specific groups, as well as the narratives that are expressed in these artefacts. A focus on contemporary indigenous artists will allow us to discuss matters of exclusion, assimilation, and rights.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 21/06/2024 -
Fri 19/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00015407
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

Art Appreciation: Art and About: Art Along the South Bank - Walking Tour

Part of the WEA Art and About Festival 2024! Art Along the South Bank Walking Tour stops at the public sculptures along the South Bank which arrived on the riverside since the Festival of Britain in 1951. As well as the sculptures mounted on plinths in alcoves commissioned to adorn the exterior of the London County Hall, now a major tourist attraction. Discover one of London’s hidden gems, a totally un-curated sculpture park stretching from Westminster Bridge to the Royal Festival Hall. The meeting point is The South Bank Lion on Westminster Bridge Rd, and the walking tour will end on the Riverside Terrace at the Royal Festival Hall.

Course Information

Dates:
Sun 23/06/2024 -
Sun 23/06/2024
Times:
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
South Bank Lion Westminster Bridge
The Queen's Walk
London
SE1 7GA
Tutor:
Jolanta Jagiello
Course code:
Q00014492
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £10.00