Judy Rudoe has worked at the British Museum since 1974. Her publications include the Catalogue of the Hull Grundy Gift of Jewellery to the British Museum (as joint author, 1984), Decorative Arts 1850–1950, a catalogue of the British Museum Collection (1991, revised 1994) and Cartier 1900–1939 (British Museum 1997). She has written on many aspects of nineteenth century decorative arts and collecting, including the glass of James Powell & Sons.  

Miss Rudoe’s lecture has grown from her new book “Jewellery in the Age of Queen Victoria”. She will show how what might seem a narrow subject, acts as a key to understanding the entire Victorian age –its mourning rituals, its politics and its nationalism – all are embodied in its jewellery.

Christopher Herbert was enthroned as Bishop of St Albans in January 1996 and retired in 2009.  He is an authority in the field of medieval Christian art.

Today we hear how from the earliest days of Christianity the story of the Three Kings has fascinated story-tellers and artists alike. This lecture traces the ways in which artists across the centuries have chosen to represent the Magi.

As a Tutor for Cambridge University Institute of Education, Michael Copp lectured for many years on the artistic and literary response to twentieth century conflicts.

Today he will talk about the women artists who were outnumbered by men artists in both world wars. Nevertheless, the women who did receive official commissions to record, memorialise, and comment on these two conflicts left an important artistic legacy.

Bob Gowland has over thirty years of experience as a general valuer in the fine art world, with twenty years as a Director of Phillips the International Auctioneers, both here in the United Kingdom and also in the United States of America where he was President of Phillips New York.

In today’s lecture the Royal element is covered from James IV of Scotland, Queen Katherine of Aragon and Mary Queen of Scots through to the present day Duke of York.

Early references to golf-like games from 1120 and 1350 are detailed; the Continental stick and ball games brought back from the Crusades are discussed, through to the late 17th Century.

The golden age of golf in the 19th Century is covered with particular reference to Ladies golf, and the emergence of professional golf later in the century.

Dick Bolton is a “Man of Kent”. He is a Registered Blue Badge Guide for the South East of England and the City of Canterbury. Amongst many other interests he is also a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Glaziers and Painters of Glass, and a member of the Lutyens Trust.

Today’s talk is on the Cinque Ports. In the 12th and 13th Centuries the men of the Channel ports of Kent and Sussex formed one of England’s most formidable federations, to serve the Monarch and themselves! This talk illustrates the rich history of the “King’s Pirates” and their close links with the Crown.

When Thomas Gainsborough moved to Bath in 1758 it was a bustling cosmopolitan centre experiencing a phenomenal building boom. It attracted nobility and wealthy merchants alike, and was described at the time “the busiest idle place in the world”.

Mrs Chloe Cockerill is a Regional Development Manager for The Churches Conservation Trust. She is a popular lecturer for NADFAS, The National Trust and many historical associations throughout Britain, with a special interest in heraldry and fabulous beasts. She has written articles and guide books on churches and heraldry and is in demand for leading church tours.

Today, Chloe will talk about how Saint George, who was probably from the near East and martyred for his faith in the early 4th Century, become the Patron Saint of England. This lecture traces the rise of his popularity and illustrates aspects of his influential and fascinating history.

After reading Modern History at Merton College, Oxford, Mr Alan Bott had forty years service with P & O which took him round the world 42 times (twice by sea). He is an extra-mural lecturer on the History of Architecture for the Universities of London and Surrey.

Today’s lecture takes Mount Ararat, the reported resting place of Noah’s Ark, as a centre and examines the great cultures which have surrounded it during the last 2500 years.

Mr Williams trained as an art and architectural historian before undertaking post graduate studies. He became curator of Cardiff Castle in 1990 and has become a keen champion of 19th Century architecture and design.

Tyntesfield is a Victorian Gothic country house in Somerset which was acquired by the National Trust in 2002. Today’s lecture explores the story of the house and that of the people who created it, and why it may claim to be one of the most important Victorian houses in Britain.