The South West Area Support Team is delighted to announce that following a most successful event last year, a History of Art course is to be held again in Plymouth.
A most informative, exciting, and entertaining programme awaits you. There will be 5 one day sessions spread throughout the Autumn 2026.
The venue is The Copthorne Hotel, Armada Way, Plymouth. Travelling here can be by train, bus or car.
Please do join us. Who could resist.... to start, ‘Michelangela’ and to finish, ‘Carravagio – the bad boy and Artemisia Gentileschi’.
Please contact Barbara Beadle at barbarahistorysart@gmail.com, the course coordinator to book your place or to answer your questions.

Dr Geri Parlby

Geri is a former Fleet Street journalist and film PR. She has a first-class honours degree in History and Theology, a Masters in History of Art from the Courtauld Institute and a Theology doctorate from Roehampton University in London. She has been lecturing for the past 14 years both in the UK and internationally. She is also principal lecturer on The Arts Society South West Area’s History of Art course and is an Honorary Research Fellow at Roehampton University.

Lecture 1
We begin with Tate Britain and an introduction to the founding of the
collection and the architecture of the building, followed by an exploration the works. Tate Britain houses art by British artists, and artists who have worked in Britain. It covers the period from the 1500s to the present day. We will see early portraits painted on wood panels, landscapes, Victorian moralistic works through to 20 th century abstracts, installations, and conceptual art.

Lecture 2
Along the river is the cathedral of international twentieth and twenty first century modern art, Tate Modern which originally opened in 2000 after the conversion of the disused Bankside power station. We will see how the massive redundant industrial building was transformed with sleek new architecture and its engagement with the local environment. In June 2016 Tate Modern opened its doors to the stunning new Blavatnik Building immediately setting the new gold standard for museum design. Ian will take us through the highlights of the sometimes challenging, always thought-provoking collection.

The cost of the day, including coffee and biscuits at the break will be £25 per person.

Payment can be made by BACS (preferred method) to:
The Arts Society Sidmouth; Sort Code: 405240; Acc. No. 00060214
If payment is by BACS please email or call me to confirm your booking.: catherine.bech@theartssocietysidmouth.com

Tel: 07717 743348/01395 708693