Women Artists in Britain: 1750-2000

The history of women artists has always been one of defiance and struggle, yet as this course demonstrates there have always been outstanding individuals to challenge all difficulties and create art even against dispiriting odds, and Britain has played host to some of the most exceptional among them. The course focuses particularly on sculpture and portrait painting, both traditionally considered the absolute prerogative of the male hand and gaze; we will also explore the way in which the women of the Arts and Crafts Movement turned traditionally “feminine” pursuits to the making of art as visually and intellectually challenging as anything produced in more conventional ‘fine art’ media. Sessions will include opportunities for close examination of works owned by the V&A.