Late Medieval (in-person)

Year course

+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Tickets available from 10.00 on Wednesday, 24 June 2026
Join us to explore the artistic crosscurrents of a rapidly changing Europe between 1250-1400, from soaring gothic cathedrals adorned with glowing stained glass, to intricate ivories, enamels, and manuscripts, and Giotto’s robustly realistic paintings… 
   
The iconic gothic style emerged in Paris – the cultural capital of Europe in this period – and dominated European art from England in the North down to Italy in the South. But at the same time, artists in Pisa, Florence and Siena were developing newly realistic styles inspired by classical Antiquity and naturalism. On this course, you’ll meet the first great names to emerge in art history: Nicola and Giovanni Pisano, Duccio, Simone Martini and Giotto. You’ll discover impressive churches and secular buildings, and beautiful objects such as illuminated manuscripts, carved ivories, enamelled goldsmiths’ work and embroidered textiles that exemplify the richness and material diversity of late medieval art. Plus, in addition to your expert-led lectures, you’ll also enjoy an exclusive demonstration from egg tempera artist and academic Lara Broeke, as well as deep-diving into the V&A’s world-renowned collections of medieval art with curators and experts though inspiring gallery talks.

This course runs every Wednesday for 10 weeks at V&A South Kensington, plus you'll get an extra 10 weeks to catch up with all your lecture recordings once the course ends. Not able to join us in person? You can also attend the course lectures online, both live and on catch-up.

For more details on how our courses work, see V&A Academy questions · V&A.

This course is suitable for participants aged 18 and over.
course photo
Portrait of Course Director Dr Sally Dormer

Course Director
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.

A really enjoyable and informative course. Quality of lecturers was high. Stimulating. Previous V&A Academy Online course attendee
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Membership Priority Booking will open at 10.00 BST on Wednesday 24 June. General Booking will open at 10.00 BST on Wednesday 8th July 2026.

Being up close with treasured objects from the V&A's collections brings your learning to life. Spend time with our incredible collections, as well as with our expert tutors and your fellow learners.

Course overview

Ready to unlock the secrets of Late Medieval Art and Architecture? Come with us to discover 150 years of artistic innovation, from 1250-1400.
 
Weekly lecture themes include: 
Gothic Church Architecture in Northern Europe 
Florentine and Sienese Painting 1300-1350 
Embroidery and Panel Painting 
…and many more! 
 
By the end of this course, you will have gained a deeper understanding of how art and architecture developed in a period of rapid change across Europe between 1250-1400. You’ll use specific case studies and historical context to dig deeper into developments in painting and architecture, and reveal the intricate beauty of often overlooked artforms such as enamelling, stained glass and embroidery. 
 
Ready to dive deeper? Take a look at the full course programme by clicking 'download programme' below. 

Enrol now

Year course: Late Medieval (in-person)

30 September 2026 - 2 December 2026

£645.00

Tickets not available yet

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)