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Why choose this course?
The fascinating, colourful Victorian narrative and figurative paintings tell us much more than the main picture and are full of symbolism and meaning, exposing other features hardly noticed: revealing massive social, economic and cultural changes, turmoil and emotions.
We study later Victorian artists who wanted to show domestic scenes and ‘real life’ and were not afraid of painting controversial subjects which might shock the public. Paintings, such as the large William Powell Frith’s Derby Day were so popular when they were shown that a rail was needed to stop the public from getting too close to the pictures and damaging them.
Domestic scenes showed interiors of everyday life which appealed to the public. Dickens and Elizabeth Gaskell chose to use fiction to expose social conditions in a way that fired the reader’s interest and enabled them to become aware and to discuss, maybe act. Artists attempted to expose conditions by painting them realistically rather than making the subjects beautiful or fanciful. Some took a moral stance, and the fallen woman was a popular subject.
We look at every type of painting and illustration from colourful posters, satirical and humorous drawing, and advertising from tea to chocolate. Each painting giving us a glimpse into the social life, customs and traditions of the period.
Course is illustrated with masses of Victorian paintings on Powerpoint slideshows.
Class times: 15:00-17:00
Further information
Suitable for adults aged 19+ of all abilities.
- Understand how Victorian paintings reflected major social, economic, and cultural change.
- Recognise the symbolism and hidden meanings within Victorian narrative and figurative art.
- Explore how artists depicted everyday domestic life and why these scenes appealed to the public.
- Examine controversial subjects that challenged Victorian values and shocked contemporary audiences.
- Understand the popularity and impact of artists such as William Powell Frith.
- Compare how artists, novelists, and illustrators exposed social conditions and inequalities.
- Analyse realistic depictions of Victorian society, including moral and social themes such as the “fallen woman.”
- Discover the role of posters, illustrations, cartoons, and advertising in Victorian visual culture.
- Gain insight into Victorian customs, traditions, and everyday life through art.
- Develop skills in looking closely at artworks and interpreting their historical and social significance.
You can sign up for another one of our History and Art related courses.
There is no formal assessment for our adult leisure courses, your work will be reviewed during each class by the tutor.
You might like to bring a pen and notepad if you wish to take notes.