What is the course about?
By the middle of the 18th century London seemed like the centre of the cultural universe. The city was the largest in the Western world, alive with the energy of 700,000 people from around the globe. As the era’s most popular art form printmaking documented and satirised the era’s important people, events and ideas. This walk will take us from St Giles through Covent Garden to St Paul’s Cathedral, stopping at historical sites depicted in popular prints, the shops that made their fortunes in the print trade and the coffee shops and pubs where artists met to stimulate their creativity. During the course we will discuss the work of artists like William Hogarth, Thomas Rowlandson and Isaac Cruikshank to uncover printmaking’s integral role in the formation of London’s ‘Golden Age’.
What will we cover?
• The importance of prints and printmaking in 18th century London culture
• How artists have constructed our historical knowledge of London through their prints
• The relationship between satire and printmaking.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Discuss the importance of printmaking in 18th century London by giving examples of at least two key artworks
- Describe at least three artworks that depict London during this time period
- Identify at least one of the key London site that contributed to print culture in the 18th century.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for all levels.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be taught as a guided walk and lecture and group discussion while standing in front of and walking to historic locations in London. Handouts will be provided by your tutor to support your learning on the course.
Please note we are unable to guarantee stools/seats during this walk; you will have to stand and to walk between locations. The walk is approximately 1.5 miles.
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. Please wear comfortable shoes and bring an umbrella.
All of the sites visited during this course are free. However, we will stop at one coffee shop and one pub where you may wish to purchase refreshment; refreshment is not covered in the cost of the course.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You might also be interested in VB336 - Focus on Hogarth.
