The World's Greatest Paintings: 200 Years of The National Gallery 2

Welcome to The Arts Society. We are a leading arts education charity, providing you with expert lectures and study days.Due to our global network of local arts Societies, you will be able to hear our world-class lecturers share their specialist knowledge about the arts wherever you are in Britain and beyond.We believe the Arts will enrich your lives.

The Arts Society

Step into the world of art as we showcase the masterpieces and eventful history of The National Gallery London  in its bicentennial year.

Covent Garden

A repeated study day due to popular request2024 marks the bicentenary of the founding of the National Gallery. This study day tells the story of the establishment of the NG collection beginning in 1824 when Lord Liverpool’s government purchased 38 paintings for £57,000 from the collection of businessman and philanthropist John Julius Angerstein. The paintings were initially displayed at 100 Pall Mall, Angerstein’s townhouse and by 1838, it was decided that a purpose built building was required, giving us the William Wilkins designed building we know and love on Trafalgar Square.During the course of the day we examine some of the high (and low) points of the early years of the gallery including suffragette sabotage, bombs and theft. We also take a close up look at some of the original "Angerstein 38” paintings…

Simon Whitehouse is a (recovering) actor, lecturer, presenter, Alexander Technique and voice teacher and award winning London Blue Badge guide.He has worked as a guide lecturer in house at Shakespeare’s Globe, the Royal Opera House, the BBC and the National Gallery guiding both public and private tours. He is on the faculty of Ithaca College and also lectures for the Blue Badge Guide training course on the performing arts and English literature.

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