Art History courses online and in London
Looking to build your confidence in discussing and interpreting art? Or are you interested in taking your established knowledge of art in new directions? Then come and join City Lit’s Art History learning community!
Our exceptional range of courses, both introductory and in-depth, are designed for all learning levels. Our programme approaches art history from a variety of perspectives including social and cultural context, art theory and philosophy, curation and collecting, general art appreciation and so much more.
Choosing the right class for you
Our courses are open to all. Our students come from all backgrounds and learning experiences, from the absolute beginner to those refining their knowledge and understanding. We aim to give you the confidence to engage meaningfully with art, whatever level you are working from. Our students use our courses for personal fulfilment as well as professional and educational development. Many of our students go on to advanced degree and certificate programmes and many are able to use their knowledge in art making and gallery work.
Learn from expert tutors
At City Lit we are proud of the expertise of our tutors who are all professional art historians working actively in museums, galleries, research and writing, universities and auction houses. As experts in the field, they are able to provide you with the support and guidance you need to develop your art historical knowledge. As teachers they provide student-focused education, helping students achieve their art historical goals, both the personal and the professional.
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- London's smaller art collections
Course start date: Wed 7 Jun 2023 (and 3 other dates)Location on this date: Off Site
Tutors: Julie BarlowDiscover some of London’s fascinating smaller art collections and hidden art treasures on this gallery-based art history course.Full fee £169.00 - A day at the V&A: an introduction to the collectionsCourse start date: Mon 3 Jul 2023 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Off Site
Tutors: Elizabeth EyresSpend a fascinating day at the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum exploring a range of galleries. We shall be looking at the decorative arts, paintings, sculpture and design from across the world and across the centuries in this remarkable museum.Full fee £49.00 - Introduction to the Wallace Collection Course start date: Tue 19 Sep 2023 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Off Site
Tutors: Julie BarlowEach week, we'll explore a different aspect of the Wallace Collection looking at its fine and decorative art objects, including paintings, furniture, porcelain and even arms and armour.Full fee £109.00 - The art and culture of 17th century London Course start date: Fri 22 Sep 2023
Location on this date: Off Site
Tutors: Julie BarlowDiscover the 17th century: a time of upheaval in Europe, intercontinental trade, religious schisms and a wide range of artistic styles. See its art, architecture and design in London’s galleries and museums. #arthistory #explorelondon #walkingtour.Full fee £249.00 Senior fee £199.00 Concession £162.00 - A history of art in 100 objectsCourse start date: Mon 25 Sep 2023
Location on this date: Off Site
Tutors: Sarah JaffrayWhat is art history? How can better a better understanding of the subject help us to better connect with art made by fellow humans? Explore these big questions of historical significance, socio-cultural impact and artistic process by studying a history of art in some of London’s greatest museums.Full fee £599.00 Senior fee £479.00 Concession £389.00 - Introduction to the V&A Course start date: Fri 29 Sep 2023 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Off Site
Tutors: Julia MusgraveExplore the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum. We visit different galleries each week looking at the decorative arts, paintings and the transfer of design ideas across the centuries.Full fee £249.00 - Looking at paintings Course start date: Fri 29 Sep 2023 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Off Site
Tutors: Julia MusgraveLook at masterpieces in major London galleries in this introduction to European painting. Explore different painting techniques and genres (landscape, portrait and history painting) for a basic understanding and increased enjoyment of Western art.Full fee £249.00 - The history of Western art in 100 paintings Course start date: Wed 4 Oct 2023
Location on this date: Off Site
Tutors: Julia MusgraveA chronological introduction to Western art from c.1250 to the present day, taught by looking at artworks in London’s galleries, and related materials.Full fee £579.00 Senior fee £463.00 Concession £376.00 - Contemporary art in London Course start date: Fri 28 Apr 2023 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Off Site
Tutors: Chantal CondronExplore and discuss contemporary art on show in London. Each week we’ll visit 1-2 commercial galleries or a public gallery and examine specific exhibitions of contemporary art across a range of media including painting, works on paper, photography, new media and sculpture.Full fee £129.00 - National Gallery Course start date: Wed 18 Oct 2023 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Off Site
Tutors: Leslie PrimoDiscuss a differently themed group of paintings each week in front of the pictures. An opportunity to understand our national collection in greater depth.Full fee £249.00 - National Portrait GalleryCourse start date: Mon 30 Oct 2023 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Off Site
Tutors: Julie BarlowFull fee £139.00 - Islamic art at the British MuseumCourse start date: Sun 5 Nov 2023
Location on this date: Off Site
Tutors: Anita ChowdryTake a Friday evening to explore the British Museum’s newly refurbished Islamic galleries and learn the stories behind one of the world’s great collections of Islamic art.Full fee £19.00 Senior fee £15.00 Concession £12.00 - Renaissance art: making, locating and viewingCourse start date: Wed 8 Nov 2023
Location on this date: Off Site
Tutors: Emma Rose BarberThis course explores the Making, the Locating and the Viewing of Renaissance paintings in the collection of the National Gallery. This course takes place at the National Gallery.Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £143.00 Concession £116.00 - The art and culture of 18th century London
Course start date: Fri 12 Jan 2024Location on this date: Off Site
Tutors: Elizabeth EyresExplore Georgian painting, sculpture and architecture, and consider them within the context of the history and culture of the 18th century exploring museums, galleries and other places in London.Full fee £249.00 Senior fee £199.00 Concession £162.00 - The Courtauld: an introductionCourse start date: Mon 15 Jan 2024
Location on this date: Off Site
Tutors: Julie BarlowFull fee £69.00 Senior fee £55.00 Concession £45.00
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