The Norwich School - a unique society of landscape painters

What is the course about?

If you love landscape painting, would like to learn more about the culture of eastern England or are intrigued by the workings of the artworld you will find this course has plenty to interest you. You will discover that the “Norwich School” refers to an association of artists rather than an institute of learning and is the only regional society of painting to have ever been formed in England. It was set up to provide mutual support to the many artists working in the city and to permit them to exhibit their paintings regularly.

You will investigate the stunning landscapes produced by the leading artists. John Crome (the founder of the society) and John Sell Cotman were both highly distinguished painters. While they helped form the character of the school locally they were also linked at national level with the mainstream of the contemporary artworld. These were innovative artists who painted and sketched out of doors at a time when the fashion was principally for idealised or imaginary landscapes. As you will discover, the work of Cotman in particular is highly innovative and astonishingly modern-looking and can be seen in the most important national collections around the world.

Other artists closely associated with the school whose work we will explore include John Berney Crome, James Stark, George Vincent, Robert Ladbrooke, Joseph Stannard, Alfred Stannard, John Thirtle, Miles Edmund Cotman and John Joseph Cotman. In addition, more than 20 other artists, professional and amateur, were associated with the “school”. While the best-known Norwich School artists were landscape painters, the term is extended to the still-life painters Emily Stannard and Eloise Harriet Stannard, whose work we will explore.

We will consider the contexts of the wealthy regional capital in relation to the patronage of these artists, and also the difficulties encountered by artists trying to make a living away from London.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

• We will examine the work of John Crome and John Sell Cotman and at least six other members of the Norwich School

• We will learn about the functions of this highly significant regional school of painting

• We will discover what was innovative about the approach of Norwich School artists to landscape painting

• We will examine the role of wealthy patrons in shaping the work of the main Norwich School painters.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

· Name at least three members of the school and identify examples of their work

· Explain the functions of the Norwich School of Painters

· Explain what was innovative about the main artists’ approach to landscape painting

· Identify external influences on the artists, in particular Dutch landscape painting

· Discuss the importance and effects of patronage on the Norwich School artists.

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, handouts and health and safety information and have an understanding of how to take part in a Zoom meeting using a computer or other device with a microphone and camera.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be taught online with lectures using PowerPoint presentations and will be invited to participate in live class discussion throughout the classes, although you are not obliged to speak if you do not wish to. There will be a Google Classroom for the sharing of documents related to the course, and you will receive downloadable comprehensive illustrated handouts online. You will be sent an invitation to the Google Classroom within a week of the course start date.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You might wish to have something to write with. 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?

Art in medieval England
Introduction Tate Britain.