WEA courses

The history of Paris in the 19th century beginning with some of Napoleon’s innovations, through the Restoration period following Napoleon’s final defeat at Waterloo, the various rebellions and revolutions that happened during this period, the dictatorship of Napoleon III and the disastrous war with Prussia that brought his rule to an end, the Commune which brought bloody civil war to the streets of the city, and the eventual stability of the Third Republic. We’ll also look at the arts in this period, Haussmann’s redesign of the city and how the bourgeoisie benefited from this, the Courtesans, and the Cancan.

We will be studying plays and how they are, or might be performed. As far as possible we will choose plays that we can see locally, either at nearby theatres, mainly Derby and Nottingham or streaming. Our aim is to enhance our understanding and enjoyment of theatre and to explore its relevance to our life today. We will read extracts, discuss the themes and how they are presented, and consider the current performance.

The changing social, cultural and political scenes in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries afforded new opportunities and a chance for women artists to emerge from the shadows of their male counterparts. This course will consider the impact of British women artists in the twentieth century, from the early part of the century when artists such as Vanessa Bell and Winifred Nicholson began to make their mark, to post- war artists such as Bridget Riley and Pauline Boty, and will include some of the key women artists of the twentieth century.

Are you looking for a relaxing hobby to help you unwind? Creating moments of calm in the day is essential for our emotional well-being and mental health. Step into the world of mindful crafts with this course and enjoy art for relaxation. This creativity course allows you to explore your art and craft skills to find practices that soothe you. Whether you enjoy drawing, painting, origami, or craft-making, art courses can help you find a relaxing hobby.

Discover the art of precision and creativity in our Sewing for Business Course. Dive into the fundamentals of machine sewing, mastering essential techniques and garment construction. From threading the needle to embellishing, you'll gain hands-on experience and the confidence to bring your design ideas to life. In parallel, embark on a beginner business journey, learning the basics of entrepreneurship for a sewing venture. Explore market trends, pricing strategies, and customer engagement to turn your passion into a profitable enterprise. Join us for a transformative learning experience that blends craftsmanship with entrepreneurial acumen, equipping you for success in the world of sewing and business.

The detective story is one of the most popular literary genres, as well as one that has produced some classic novels. Each week we focus on a short detective story or novel, reading and discussing key passages. The selected novels are in chronological order, from the 19th century to modern times. We begin with Edgar Allen Poe and Conan Doyle, and end with Sophie Hannah. We’ll be able to share and debate interpretations, sharpen our critical and appreciative faculties, understand what detective fiction can tell us about the society and culture that produced it, and, hopefully, be inspired to read other works by the writers featured on the course.

Go behind the scenes of the Government Art Collection, a less well-known national art collection, with Chantal Condron, a former curator at the Collection. Discover the fascinating origins of its history, and the people and events that have shaped its past. Explore how and why artworks are acquired or commissioned and discover some of the locations where they have been displayed. We explore works across a range of media from paintings to film, by artists from the 16th to the 21st centuries, including Marcus Gheerhaerts the Younger, Thomas Phillips, Bridget Riley, Michael Armitage and recent Turner Prize winner, Jesse Darling

This follow-on course, funded through Multiply in Norfolk, aims to further empower individuals with essential everyday life skills. Learners will engage in practical sessions covering topics like budgeting, art, digital literacy, and effective communication. Tailored to the evolving needs of the Thornage Hall community, the course emphasises hands-on learning and real-world applications to enhance independence and confidence. Whether you’re looking to improve your financial management, acquire new skills, navigate technology, or boost interpersonal skills, this course offers the tools and support needed to thrive in daily life.

Exploring National Poetry Day 2024: A 2-Hour Session In honour of National Poetry Day on October 3rd, 2024, this 2-hour session offers participants an immersive exploration of poetry's richness and relevance in contemporary culture. The session begins with an introduction to the history and significance of National Poetry Day, highlighting its purpose in celebrating poetic expression and promoting literacy. Participants will engage in interactive readings of diverse poems, spanning various styles, periods, and themes. Through guided discussions led by poetry enthusiasts and experts, attendees will analyse and interpret selected works, exploring their artistic techniques, meanings, and emotional resonance. The session will include creative activities designed to encourage participants to write their own poetry or share favourite poems that resonate with them personally. These activities aim to foster creativity, self-expression, and a deeper appreciation for the power of poetic language. Throughout the session, facilitators will emphasise the role of poetry in expressing emotions, addressing social issues, and preserving cultural heritage. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss how poetry enriches their lives and communities, reflecting on its ability to inspire empathy, provoke thought, and promote dialogue. By the end of the session, participants will have gained a deeper understanding of the diversity and impact of poetry. They will leave with newfound inspiration, a collection of shared poems, and a renewed appreciation for National Poetry Day's mission to celebrate and elevate the art of poetry in society. This session aims to cultivate a community of poetry enthusiasts and advocates, celebrating the beauty and power of poetic expression.

The Victorian years saw unprecedented industrialisation which changed the face of Britain but also attitudes. Industrial developments were perceived as both positive and negative, but the countryside was viewed as a tradition, community and continuity. Yet images of the country, as well as the town, reveal the complexity of a society adapting to the modern world. Depiction of idyllic country scenes and grimy urban life reveal deep tension in Victorian society. This course will reveal that complexity and the contradictions which characterised the years 1837 to 1901 by examining paintings, engravings, photographs cartoons and the literature of the period.