This lecture identifies the women who were a real influence on society - the real powers behind the throne. The queen who was portrayed as a man and the most beautiful and best loved of all the queens. It also examines the turbulent life and loves of Cleopatra, the last Queen of Egypt.

This artist would bring about one of the most radical changes in Art, particularly through his pronounced use of contrasting light and shadow. He was the most famous painter of his time in Italy, and this lecture will introduce the drama of his life and his art.

Beginning and ending with Belgian Surrealist Margitte, via Banksy,Bridget Riley and Escher, this is advertised as one of the quirkiest lectures we will ever hear !

This lecture examins the history and cultural legacy of the two earliest works in the western literary canon: the Iliad and the Odyssey. After an outline of each plot, the talk will focus on how and why these poems have cast such a spell on artists and writers ever since.

How the Roman period built on Greek heritage, introduced new architectural orders and learned how to span great voids with arches, domes, brick and concrete. ( period 100BC - 300AD).

In this lecture, we will discover the humble early roots of this area and later its aristocratic appeal. We will visit the famous gardens and squares, plenty of public art and many hidden corners, ducking in and out of alleyways and mews.

Ghirlandaio was an Italian Renaissance painter, Mosaicist and possible Goldsmith. He was born in Florence and was part of the `3rd generation' of the Florentine Renaissance along with Verrocchio and Sandro Botticelli.

Here is one of his Virgin and Child Paintings.

We must thank our lecturer for being available at short notice.

This lecture brings to life the joy of music through the ages at this time of year. It delves into the history of the harp and its incredible pedal mechanism and explores some of the old Christmas Carols and their origins.

The lecture starts at 2.00pm and will be followed by a festive finger buffet with wine and soft drinks. Tickets (£15 ) must be purchased in advance and will be available in the first instance at the October lecture .  

The lecture is not included in the annual membership fee. 

This lecture shows first, how the eight core plays join up into a continuous story; then, how by looking at them in the different order in which they were written , the focus moves from battles and revenge, to questioning of the justification and accountability of power.

Tells the story of one of the most fascinating investment “bubbles” in the history of the so called Dutch Golden Age.  A parallel development to what has happened on occasions in the art market.

This lecture is preceded by the AGM at 10.15am

Looks at the artist’s journey from Bradford to Swinging 1960’s London and then to hedonistic California and back to Bridlington.

Traces the story of that golden age, beginning with Andrea Amati in the 1560s and following it through the generations to the death of Antonio Stradivari in 1737.

and of course it still continues ----- this is West Dean!