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The Arts of Medieval Europe 300-800 (Plus Gallery Talks)
Year course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Your bespoke learning experience:
For more details, see V&A Academy online questions · V&A
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Forget what you think you know about the so-called ‘dark-ages’. Step into the V&A’s collections and let our experts initiate you into a hidden world of sacred and secular art, rich in precious ivories, shimmering illuminated manuscripts, glittering mosaics and priceless buried treasures...
From the awe-inspiring Arch of Constantine to the luminous Lindisfarne Gospels, the quiet treasures of the early medieval period bear witness to a dramatic and captivating era of change across Europe. Over 10 weeks, you'll chart a course through the turbulent power shifts of the early medieval world by studying its dazzling artistic production, with exclusive access to V&A treasures and experts. Join specialists and curators in one of the world’s leading museums to bring the early medieval period to life, with the V&A’s abundant medieval collections as your inspiration.
This ticket also includes access to your exclusive expert-led gallery tours, where you’ll come face-to-face with some of the most important examples of early medieval artistry. Expand your knowledge with close object study and learn the secrets to decoding the fascinating medieval histories which lie hidden in plain sight throughout the V&A’s galleries...
...Want to know more? Take a look at the course programme for the full schedule, or book now to start your journey of discovery.
Your bespoke learning experience:
- Exclusive gallery access: Study unique artefacts from the V&A’s collection in situ with leading experts.
- Ask the experts: Pose your questions directly to V&A experts and subject specialists in our Q&As.
- Behind-the-scenes learning: Access industry insights and learn about how collections are researched, conserved, and interpreted.
- Community of learners: Engage with fellow enthusiasts in a supportive, discussion-rich environment.
- Miss a week? No stress: Access recordings of all your lectures as well as study materials through your secure Microsoft Teams online course environment.
For more details, see V&A Academy online questions · V&A
Course Leader
Dr Sally Dormer
Dr Sally Dormer is a specialist medieval art historian with an M.A. in Medieval Art History and Ph.D. on Medieval illuminated manuscripts from the Courtauld Institute, London University. Sally teaches, or has taught, for the Art Fund, the Arts Society, Art Pursuits, London Art History Society, Swan Hellenic, and Gresham College.
Fabulous bitesize approach to learning about European history of art at a crucial time in its evolution, and from so many engaging and knowledgeable experts. I've thoroughly enjoyed my 3 months of weekly lectures. Previous V&A Academy Attendee
V&A Academy. A learning environment you can trust.
Being up close with treasured objects from the V&A's collections brings your learning to life. Get precious time with our expert tutors and your fellow learners.
Choose between three ticket types: Course, Course plus Gallery Talks or Online Stream!
Choose between three ticket types: Course, Course plus Gallery Talks or Online Stream!
Course overview
Delve into the early 4th-century when the Edict of Milan granted Christianity toleration and catalysed the Church to commission glorious churches and furnishings. Explore the Byzantine Empire’s visual arts, where theology combined with influence from Antiquity and neighbouring states to forge a distinctive aesthetic. Discover how Islam’s dramatic early 7th-century rise provoked Iconoclasm, which saw the destruction of figurative holy images in the Byzantine world, and forced artists to migrate west, effecting cultural exchange. The Western Roman Empire’s demise resulted in a transfer of power to initially peripatetic, illiterate, and pagan, and subsequently, settled, literate, and Christian peoples, including the Franks, Visigoths, Ostrogoths, Lombards, and Anglo-Saxons. Become expert at analysing their buildings and artefacts which demonstrate recognisable regional styles and considerable technical skill. By 800 change was in the air as Charlemagne, king of the Franks, sought to recreate the glories of the Roman Empire in the West.
Love the sound of this course? Look out for the next instalment The Arts of Medieval Europe: 800-1050 coming up in January 2026.
Love the sound of this course? Look out for the next instalment The Arts of Medieval Europe: 800-1050 coming up in January 2026.
Enrol now
Year course: The Arts of Medieval Europe 300-800 (Plus Gallery Talks)
23 September 2025 - 25 November 2025
£645.00
Call to book +44 (0)20 7942 2000
Need help enrolling? Talk to the admissions team:
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Open 10.00 - 13.00, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)
