What we do
Events
The programmes of lectures and visits offer a diverse selection of events designed to appeal to a wide range of people with different levels of knowledge. Many of the visits are preceded by introductory talks in Central London to add to the interest of the day itself. Numbers are kept to around fifteen to twenty depending on the nature of the event.
Short Courses
It is hoped to resume the Dilettanti Studies in Art, held on two or three consecutive Tuesdays in Central London in the autumn and spring. The subject matter is wide-ranging on aspects of the fine and decorative arts. View a list of all the past courses.
Examples of Past Courses:
Lunches
Coffee breaks and good lunches are never overlooked — some say they are the high point — and are enjoyed in circumstances ranging from the sublime to the less salubrious; you never quite know and that is the fun of it!
Sojourns in the United Kingdom
Two to four-day tours are organised to some enticing part of the country, to include private visits to well-known or lesser-known houses, together with visits to gardens, churches or cathedrals and other attractions within reach of the chosen hotel.
Foreign Visits
We make occasional short visits to cities in northern Europe via Eurostar inspired by the history of a particular city or an exhibition of special interest. Notable recent visits have included the cities of Lille and Arras, and the exhibitions, Christian Dior, Designer of Dreams in Paris and Van Eyck. An Optical Revolution in Ghent.
Bespoke Events
What we offer
We are able to arrange days of special interest or offer advice to those who prefer to organise their events themselves. Such events could range from lectures, morning or afternoon visits or full days.
About the Founders
Philippa Barton and Sarah Bowles are experienced lecturers in the fine and decorative arts, with a special interest in seventeenth and eighteenth century English architecture, interiors and furniture. They have long experience in selecting experts in the appropriate field for each event, but can be relied upon as informed and enthusiastic speakers themselves in their own wide sphere of interests.