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 and About: Hyde Park 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.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 20/06/2025 -
Fri 20/06/2025
Times:
10:30am - 1:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Meeting Point: Apsley House
149 Piccadilly
London
London
W1J 7NT
Tutor:
Colin Lomas
Course code:
Q00019130
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £12.60

Art Appreciation: William Morris

This interesting course primarily explores the work and life of William Morris. This important art movement developed in 1880 and was prevalent until 1920 . It was most prolific in Europe and North America. The course explores the influences which led to the development of the movement and artworks. and the artists involved . The course is delivered by power point presentation and lecture , handouts will be given where appropriate.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 24/06/2025 -
Tue 24/06/2025
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kerry Van Der Schraft
Course code:
Q00022352
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £7.40

Art Appreciation: Who's the Muse? Eileen Agar, Claude Cahun and Isabel Rawsthorne

What is a muse? How and why has this convention endured for centuries? On this focused course, we explore the identity and representation of the muse through the lives and work of three female artists: Claude Cahun (1894-1954), Eileen Agar (1899-1991) and Isabel Rawsthorne (1912-1992). Each week we focus on one artist, examining their individual backgrounds, training and a range of influences that helped to shape their practice across either painting, photography or sculpture. By exploring their work and artistic intentions we will discuss how the traditional concept of the modern muse was powerfully subverted by each of the artists.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 26/06/2025 -
Thu 10/07/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Enfield Baptist Church (Enfield) (Enfiel
Cecil Road
Enfield
EN2 6TG
Tutor:
Chantal Condron
Course code:
Q00017374
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £36.00

Art Appreciation: Claris Cliff

This session charts the work of two designers who were iconic within the British Pottery Industry . It looks at the work of Claris Cliff 1899 and Suzie Cooper born 1902 The session can be followed up with a further more in depth course , The History and Development of the British Pottery Industry . The session 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.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 26/06/2025 -
Thu 26/06/2025
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kerry Van Der Schraft
Course code:
Q00022353
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!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Art Appreciation: The Art of the Romanov's Day School

The Art of the Romanovs focuses on the portraits and public monuments of the Romanov dynasty from its founding in 1613 until its demise during the Russian Revolution in 1917. This course examines the evolution of Romanov portraiture and public monuments and explores formal and informal portraits of Romanov rulers, analysing their political and cultural significance and the artists behind these works. Key public monuments will be discussed with their symbolism and their role in shaping imperial identity and collective memory. You will gain an insight into how art served both as personal representation and public commemoration during the Romanov era. The course will have a 1 hour lunch break from 13:00 - 14:00.

Course Information

Dates:
Sun 29/06/2025 -
Sun 29/06/2025
Times:
11:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Jolanta Jagiello
Course code:
Q00022933
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £12.60

Art Appreciation: History of Churches

Discover the beauty and history of art in churches with our Art Appreciation: Art in Churches course. Explore the significance of religious art and architecture from different periods and styles. Ideal for art enthusiasts and those interested in religious and cultural heritage.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 30/06/2025 -
Mon 28/07/2025
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
David Brindley
Course code:
Q00022262
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

Art and About: Clerkenwell and St Johns Cloister Gardens, Walk and Draw

Join us for a morning of walking and drawing this historic part of London in the heart of Clerkenwell 's design district. We will combine a visit to St John’s Gate Cloisters with its walled garden, Charterhouse and various pubs and iconic St James Church. Alongside our walk, we will be drawing a combination of buildings and foliage, with your choice of sketching mediums. We will be looking at capturing the perspective and proportion of the buildings to surrounding shapes. You can add both illustrative sketching detail and written word around your drawings to another dimension. For inclement weather we will find interior spaces in various Churches, pubs or cafes, and continue to work from there. Guidance will be offered by your tutor to help with composition and drawing/painting techniques in you chosen medium.

Course Information

Dates:
Sat 05/07/2025 -
Sat 05/07/2025
Times:
10:00am - 1:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
St John's Cloister Garden
St John's Cloister Garden
St John's Sq
London
London
EC1M 4DH
Tutor:
Debra Collis
Course code:
Q00022221
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £14.70

Art and About: Art in the Olympic (South) Park - Walking Tour

Art in the Olympic (South) Park Walking Tour explores the public artworks in the south side of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It is the first Olympic Park to integrate artworks into the landscape right from the start by established and emerging artists, international and local, which reflects the Park’s identity and is the home to West Ham’s Football Stadium. Discover artworks that are both large and striking, whilst others are smaller and harder to find, inspired by the undulating landscape, riverside, buried histories, community memories, and Olympic glory. The meeting point is the ArcelorMittal Orbit by Sir Anish Kapoor.

Course Information

Dates:
Sun 06/07/2025 -
Sun 06/07/2025
Times:
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Meeting Point: ArcelorMittal Orbit (Lond
Queen Elizabeth Olymipic Park,
London
E20 2AD
Tutor:
Jolanta Jagiello
Course code:
Q00019135
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £12.60

Art Appreciation: Vincent van Gogh

This session charts to life and work of Vincent van Gough. Vincent was born in 1853 in the Netherlands. He was mostly known as a Post Impressionist painter. The session 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.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 10/07/2025 -
Thu 10/07/2025
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kerry Van Der Schraft
Course code:
Q00022110
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £7.40

Art and About: History: 'Unmentionables'- A History of Underwear Through the Ages.

Explore the captivating evolution of fashion with our course, "Unmentionables." This journey takes us from the earliest evidence and references through to the present day. Looking at diaries, fashion plates and other contemporary sources we will explore the influences which have shaped clothing and underwear trends. How did the clothing of the elite differ from of everyone else? We will also be considering how the industrial revolution and the changing role of women affects underwear. And lastly what about today what are the ethical and sustainability issues we have to consider? Join us to find out more

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 10/07/2025 -
Thu 10/07/2025
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00022167
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £11.10