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: Siena - City of Art

Siena is known as the ‘city of art’ and this exciting day school will take a wide ranging look at the cultural heritage of this beautiful Tuscan city to coincide with the current major exhibition in London. We shall examine not only the works of the better known medieval masters such as Duccio di Buoninsegna, the sculptors Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, and the Lorenzetti brothers, Pietro and Ambrogio, but also spend some time examining the later artistic heritage of Siena with Mannerist painters such as Sodoma, Beccafumi, and Francesco di Giorgio.
Dates:
Fri 16/05/2025 -
Fri 16/05/2025
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
The Ambrose Allen Centre (Tadley)
2 Franklin Avenue
Tadley
RG26 4ET
Tutor:
Guest Speaker
Course code:
Q00022026
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

Art Appreciation: Powerful Images: The Art of World War Two

Marking VE Day, this special three-hour session explores how artists across Europe and beyond captured, challenged, and chronicled the experience of the Second World War. From the chaos of the front lines to the quiet endurance of the home front, wartime art served many roles: propaganda, protest, documentation, and emotional release. We’ll delve into the work of official war artists, underground creatives, and those responding from exile or captivity. How did artists make sense of destruction, displacement, and victory? What images shaped public memory then—and now? Through powerful visuals and stories, we’ll explore how art shaped perception, preserved truth, and continues to frame how we remember one of the most defining conflicts in modern history.
Dates:
Fri 16/05/2025 -
Fri 16/05/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00022126
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £14.80

Care 2: The Art of Romanovs - The Imperial Jewels

This course is for carers, those who have cared, and the cared for. We will be looking at the history and design of the Romanov Imperial Jewels including the famous Faberge Easter Eggs.
Dates:
Sat 17/05/2025 -
Sat 17/05/2025
Times:
10:00am - 11:30am
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jolanta Jagiello
Course code:
Q00021817
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Art Appreciation: L.S.Lowry

The renowned artist L. S Lowry was born in Manchester in a town called Stretford in the Victorian age of 1887. His work is very individual instantly and highly recognised as well as being celebrated throughout the United Kingdom and beyond. The course will be delivered by power point presentation and lecture , handouts will be given where appropriate. The session is tailored to allow learners the opportunity to consolidate their learning as the course is delivered by discussion of their learning outcomes and opinions in a friendly and engaging environment and there will be fun group activities during the course to check on understanding and learning.
Dates:
Thu 22/05/2025 -
Thu 22/05/2025
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kerry Van Der Schraft
Course code:
Q00022114
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £7.40

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Care 2: Women Artists - The Impressionists

This course is for carers, those who have cared, and the cared for. Study the contribution of three women artists to the Impressionist movement in early 20th Century.
Dates:
Sat 24/05/2025 -
Sat 24/05/2025
Times:
10:00am - 11:30am
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jolanta Jagiello
Course code:
Q00021821
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Art Appreciation: Modern Architecture

This 6-week course takes you on a journey through the evolution of modern architecture, starting with the Art Nouveau movement of the late 19th century and culminating in the bold works of Frank Gehry and Zaha Hadid. We’ll explore key architectural movements, including Art Deco, Bauhaus, Modernism, and Brutalism, highlighting their cultural significance, design principles, and iconic buildings. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how architecture reflects social, political, and technological changes, and how architects challenge traditional forms to shape the skylines of today. Ideal for architecture enthusiasts and those curious about the evolution of built space.
Dates:
Mon 02/06/2025 -
Mon 07/07/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00021430
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
1 place remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

Art Appreciation: Art in Australia: Past and Present

This online course offers an in-depth exploration of the rich and diverse artistic traditions of Australia, spanning thousands of years. You will discover the country’s fascinating artistic heritage, from ancient Aboriginal rock art—dating back over 28,000 years—to contemporary works that reflect the cultural evolution of the region. We will examine both Indigenous artistic traditions (such as bark painting) and the European influences that arrived with colonisation (such as Impressionist landscape painting), analysing how these styles interact and shape Australian art today. This course provides an engaging and thought-provoking introduction. Join us for a journey through Australia's unique artistic landscape! No previous knowledge required.
Dates:
Mon 02/06/2025 -
Mon 07/07/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00021431
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

Art Appreciation: Renaissance art in 16th century Europe

This course in art appreciation provides close attentions to particular works of art from Leonardo da Vinci and Albrecht Dürer to Michelangelo and Pieter Breughel. The focus will be upon specific paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings in relation to who the works were for, how the decisions about visual presentations were determined and the integration of pictorial practice with contemporary ideas. The course uses a secure digital learning portal for all the classes and for communications with the tutor and access to learning materials. The course would be appropriate for both experienced viewers of art and those new to the subject.
Dates:
Tue 03/06/2025 -
Tue 22/07/2025
Times:
11:15am - 12:45pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Allen Fisher
Course code:
Q00019460
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

Art Appreciation: Art of Indigenous Cultures: 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 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 environmentalism.
Dates:
Thu 05/06/2025 -
Thu 10/07/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Caroline Levisse
Course code:
Q00021444
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

Art and About: Egyptian Treasures of the British Museum (Gallery Tour)

This course is an in-person gallery tour exploring the ancient Egyptian collection of the British Museum. In 2 hours we will tour both famous pieces and lesser known gems of the Egyptian collection. We will meet on the front steps of the museum off Great Russell Street 10 minutes before the class start. Please allow time to pass through security. If you are late please proceed directly to Room 1 (Enlightenment Gallery) or if very late Room 4 (Ancient Egyptian Sculpture Gallery) both on the ground floor.
Dates:
Thu 05/06/2025 -
Thu 05/06/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Meeting Place:British Museum (London)
Great Russell Street
London
WC1B 3DG
Tutor:
John Billman
Course code:
Q00019138
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
9 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £8.40