Programme 2026

Tuesday 13th October 2026

An ideal partnership:

Lutyens and Jekyll

Presented by James Bolton

The last two decades of the C19th reverberated with the row amongst gardeners and architects. At a stroke, the problem was solved by the partnership between Gertrude Jekyll and Edwin Lutyens. A house by Lutyens with a garden by Jekyll, became an Edwardian ideal. Together they designed gardens with a strong architectural background, softened by luxuriant planting.

This lecture will be held at Martin Read Hall at Alton College commencing at 7:30pm (doors open 6:45pm) CLICK HERE to see directions.

Tuesday 29th October 2026

Special Interest Day

The History, Art,Theatre & Scandal of Covent Garden

Presented by Simon Whitehouse

Anyone who has ever been on one of Simon’s walk-abouts around London during which he uncovers its treasures and divulges tales & titbits about its past will know this Study Day should not be missed.

This special interest day will be held at: Beech Village Hall, 1 Wellhouse Road,

Alton GU34 4AQ CLICK HERE to see directions.

Doors open at 10:00am for 10:30am start.

BOOKING AND PAYMENT FORM

Tuesday 10th November 2026

Osborne, Pinter and Co; Post War British Theatre

Presented by Giles Ramsey

In 1956 British theatre audiences heard a harsh new voice in John Osborne's play "Look Back in Anger". Within two years Pinter's extraordinary play "The Birthday Party"....

This lecture will be held at Martin Read Hall at Alton College commencing at 7:30pm (doors open 6:45pm) CLICK HERE to see directions.

Tuesday 8th December 2026

Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht

The story of the world-renowned Christmas carol

Presented by Peter Medhurst

The Austrian carol Stille Nacht Heilige Nacht - Silent Night, Holy Night - came into being just over 1800 years after the birth of Christ, and....

This lecture will be held at Martin Read Hall at Alton College commencing at 7:30pm (doors open 6:45pm) CLICK HERE to see directions.

Programme 2027

Tuesday 12th January 2027

The Art of the Cartoonist

Presented by Harry Venning

Harry Venning has been a professional cartoonist for thirty years, during which time he has provided cartoons for several high profile UK publications.....

Tuesday 9th February 2027

Larry Adler - Harmonica genius

Presented by Gary Italiaander

The remarkable and fascinating story of the life of Larry Adler, the harmonica maestro and raconteur who was a personal friend of the photographer, Gary Italiaander.

Tuesday 9th March 2027

Art in Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral

Presented by Nick Salmond

In this lecture, we explore the works of art that are held in the great London churches of Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral.

Tuesday 13th April 2027

Paul Klee: The German expressionist who so movingly documented his own rare fatal disease in his drawings

Presented by Alan Silman

This is a unique and very moving story for any artist! In this lecture I review the life and works of Paul Klee and the impact of his unfortunate mysterious illness.

Tuesday 11th May 2027

Who's got our Paintings?

The story of the Public Catalogue Foundation Project

Presented by Amanda Harries

One man’s quest to see a favourite painting at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge led to the remarkable project, now known as.....

Tuesday 8th June 2027

Neoclassicism: from Revolution to Empire

Presented by Matthew Morgan

Increased exposure to artifacts excavated from classical Roman and Greek sites encouraged a deeper interest in, and emulation of classical art.

Tuesday 14th September 2027

Tintoretto Il Furioso

Presented by Julia Musgrove

In sixteenth-century Venice, Tintoretto, helped by his studio assistants, produced work so quickly that he was nicknamed ‘Il Furioso’ (“The Furious”)......

tintiretto_self_portrait Yhaoo ftsau.jpg

Tuesday 12th October 2027

The Power and the Glory - Helena Rubinstein

Presented by Lucrezia Walker

There are no ugly women, only lazy ones, quipped cosmetics entrepreneur Helena Rubinstein, whose company made.....

Tuesday 9th November 2027

Monopoly

Presented by Roger Mendham

Almost everyone has played Monopoly at some time in their life. It is one of the world’s most popular and enduring board games. But...

Tuesday 14th December 2027

Shepherds Christmas

Presented by James Campbell

E H Shepard loved Christmas, and this lecture describes, including his own words much of the magic and joy of successive festive seasons, from those of his own childhood....