Wow Your Friends With Art History

Do you know your Morris from your Monet? If being more cultural or learning something new was one of your new year’s resolutions we’ve got it covered.
From secret societies to socialism the Pre-Raphaelites were an interesting group.
Art historian Simon Poë will be sharing insights into this group of artists in his winter lectures at Bagshaw Museum in Wilton Park, Batley.
The Pre-Raphaelite Movement was founded by three young students who went on to transform British art.
Each of the three lectures will consider the movement from a different perspective.
As well as the pictures there’ll be the chance to explore everything from photography to stained glass, from interior decor to dress reform.
The first lecture on Sunday, 15 January, will examine the politics of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. They were founded in 1848, ‘the Year of Revolutions’, and they modeled themselbes on the secret society, of the Italian Carbonari.
You will also learn about Pre-Raphaelite designer and poet William Morris, who ended up as a pioneer socialist and became convinced of the necessity for violent revolution.
Simon Poë said: “The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood had just seven members, not all of whom were even artists, and fizzled out after only a short existence. With the wisdom of hindsight, however, we can see that the movement that now shares its name was already under way when the Brotherhood was founded and persisted well into the Twentieth Century.”
More about the Pre-Raphaelite lectures
The first lecture is on Sunday, 15 January, with subsequent lectures on Sunday, 29 January, and Sunday, 12 February. All start at 2.30pm and admission is £3.50; no booking required.
The second lecture on Sunday, 29 January, will look at the movement from the point-of-view of style and technique and consider the effects advances in technology had on their work.
The third and final lecture on Sunday, 12 February, will look at the aftermath of the Pre-Raphaelite movement and will bring their story into the present day.
For further information call the Bagshaw Museum on 01924 324765.