This lecture charts the course of this remarkable dynasty, with all its intrigues, tragedies and triumphs through the glittering court of Vienna, Madrid and Budapest, from the Hapsburgs' origins as medieval warlords to their end in the trenches of the Great War.

This lecture is preceded by the AGM at 10.15 am.

Sargent (1856-1925) was high society's leading portraitist; yet beneath the dazzling veneer of his works lurks a much rawer world. He certainly scandalised the Paris Salon with his frank depictions of human sexuality and was even more modern than they might have feared.

The Lecture starts at 2 pm and will be followed by a festive finger buffet including wine and soft drinks. Tickets  must be purchased in advance and the event is not included in the annual Subscription.

Advertised as `ideal for Christmas time ,' this talk ranges from Dickensian stories to traditional Victorian activities and the inspiration for ghost stories at Christmas.

Inego Jones (1573-1652) introduced the classical architecture of Rome and the italian renaissance into Britain. Previously, classical forms and proportions had been little understood .Inigo had travelled in Italy in 1613 and on his return became one of England's moat important and influential architects.

" He was the most spiteful ,sly, vindictive and wicked man I have ever met ". Written by his nephew , this brutally honest inscription begins one volume of the lost private journals of John Margesson Esq (1794- 1866 ). The journal begins with his return from exile in France to London and ending in Rome.

The decisive allied victory over Napoleon at the battle of Waterloo in 1815 ended a series of wars that had convulsed Europe for over two decades.Most people of that time experienced these conflicts not on the battlefield but through art. This lecture explores the contrasting views presented by British and French artists and considers the insatiable public appetite for rather less elevated art forms.

Ahhh- the Belle Epoche; a brief period of optimism following the Franco Prussion conflict. Not untypically, the end of the war generated a huge boost of joie de vivre, optimism, artistic energy , technological and scientific innovations, and of course - risque entertainment.

Reaching a peak of popularity during the 18th Century , the Grand Tour was the practice whereby wealthy young Britains visited continental Europe - Italy in particular- as an important part of their cultural education. It was a path also followed by many British artists and architects.What was the impact of what they found?

One of the most successful artists of her generation, her work became ovweshadowed by the story of her rape by the artist Agostino Tassi and her involvement in the subsequent trial. Her life and art have recently been re-examined by scholars and she is now regarded as one of the most progressive and expressive painters of her generation.

In this lecture we explore Canaletto's time in the capital and look at how his style changed during his ten year visit. We look at some of the work he produced and explore how the views he captured have changed over the centuries.

Amongst the remarkable edifices of Rome are the spectacular works of Gian Lorenzo Bernini . Find out about his architecture , sculpture, paintings and fountains ; but also discover why such exuberance and magnificence became powerful weapons in a religious and political propaganda war.