2pm Thursday 3 July
A lecture by Samantha Edgley, MA.
The Georgian era was a time of great change for the United Kingdom, not least in terms of how British people chose to spend their time and money.
For those that had the means, the time, and the inclination, there had never been a wider selection of fashionable pursuits to choose from. Many of these activities concerned self-betterment and were focused on the acquisition of knowledge, or health and fitness. A growing interest in literature, theatre and music created a cultural revolution that can still be felt today. Other pursuits, however, were much more focused on more indulgent incentives. These included the pleasure gardens, taverns and dance halls.
Throughout this talk, we will explore how the artists of the period represented the pursuit of leisure. At a time when recreation and relaxation took centre stage, the visual interpretation of this development is key to understanding it. The artworks created by Georgian artists provide a revealing insight into the entertainment, enjoyment and self-education that was embraced by their society.
Samantha studied her undergraduate in Art History at the University of Kent, then completed a Masters in ‘History of Art and Visual Culture’ at the University of Oxford, before taking a role as Art History and Art Appreciation Tutor at the Rochester Adult Education Centre. She has produced an online series of art history videos on the theme of ‘The Greats of British Art’ for the Medway Adult Education Centre and Medway Council’s YouTube channel, focusing on the Georgian and Victorian period.
Booking is essential and there will be a cost of £3 per person on the day.
Email to book.