An introduction to medieval art and architecture
Time: 18:00 - 20:00
Location: Keeley Street
This course has now started
- Course Code: VB124
- Dates: 07/01/25 - 11/02/25
- Time: 18:00 - 20:00
- Taught: Tue, Evening
- Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Richard Plant
Course Code: VB124
Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
An introduction to the art and architecture of medieval Europe. This module centres on the study of the art of the era and the architecture of the prominent Gothic cathedrals and medieval buildings of the continent and England. The course will introduce you to the essential elements of Gothic and medieval art and architecture (technical, aesthetic and religious), main themes and developments and how these related to the people and ideas at the time. Also studied will be the legends and mysteries associated with the main buildings, why they still engender awe, the relationship between the art and architecture and the context within which all this came about.
What will we cover?
- The development of a new architectural style in the context of the historical, religious and social background.
- How these buildings were commissioned, designed, built and paid for.
- How these buildings were used.
- What to look for and appreciate when making a visit.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Identify select developments between 1050 and 1450 in relation to history, art, architecture, religion, culture and society
- Describe the background which encouraged the complementary development of new ideas in art and architecture
- Recognise and identify the principal characteristics of Gothic and Medieval art and architecture, with an emphasis on the cathedrals on the continent and in England
- Identify the most prominent cathedrals, and relate aspects of their history, structure, style and legends.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
For those with little knowledge of this subject area.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught by lecture with slide images and you will be invited to participate in group discussion. There will be handouts provided by your tutor. However, they will also be available digitally via a Google Classroom. You will be invited to join the Google Classroom within a week of your course start date.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You might wish to bring a notebook. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list given out in class.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
An introduction to stained glass at the V&A
European architecture in the Middle Ages 800-1500
The beauty of the medieval manuscript
Art in medieval England.
Richard Plant is an architectural historian and lecturer specialising in the Middle Ages with a strong interest in the modern. He studied English Literature at Cambridge before going on to do his MA and then PhD at the Courtauld Institute of Art. Since then, he has specialised in the architectural history of the Middle Ages, teaching at the Courtauld as well as UCL and Queen Mary University, London. He was Deputy Academic Director at Christie’s Education and has published on English and German architecture.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
