Overview

A combination of lectures and visits aims to give you the best insight into Oxford's treasures of art and architecture.

Description

There are few cities on earth so comprehensively defined by their art and architecture as is Oxford. This seminar series will consider, not only a wide range of the city’s more renowned artistic treasures, but the ideas which generated them and continue to give them meaning. The university and college collections represent an extraordinarily rich cultural heritage, spanning over two thousand years of artistic expression which trace the course of western civilisation.

We will divide our investigation into four broad periods: ancient and classical, the renaissance, the baroque and classical, and the Victorian period, which has shaped the aesthetic face of Oxford as no other. However, it is the fabric of Oxford itself which represents the city’s greatest artistic treasure. We will assess what remains of the medieval city, still found in hidden corners and in the remains of the old defensive fortifications which once formed Oxford’s outer boundaries and, in microcosm, shaped the quadrangles which more than anything else define the characteristic Oxford college.

We will then consider the rich architectural legacy of the following centuries, from the monumental university buildings of the later 17th century, through the spacious elegance of the 18th century and finally focussing most particularly on the proliferation of styles and influences which marked the 19th century. The idea of Oxford, as we think of it today, was largely a Victorian creation: a city of the mind, celebrating in equal measures the joys of youth and eccentricity, extolling the rural yet at heart exuberantly cosmopolitan.

Course Structure

Day One: The Norman and medieval city.

Oxford becomes an important military and religious centre; the first colleges are established. Excursion: the City Museum; Oxford Castle and St George’s Tower; rediscovering the city walls (and especially the ones near good pubs!). 

Day Two: 16th and 17th century Oxford.

The Reformation and the colleges; the foundation of the modern university and echoes of the Civil War. Excursion: St Mary’s, the Bodleian and university buildings, the Old Ashmolean; the Tradescant Collection (Ashmolean Museum).

Day Three: Decline and rebirth

From 18th century dilettantism and decadence to the religious revival of the 1830s, tracing the development of the colleges and University as imperial institutions. Excursion: Ashmoleon sculpture, Christchurch Picture Gallery, The Queen’s College.

Day Four: Victorian Oxford.

Architectural, artistic and scientific debates; the medieval revival. Excursion: The University Museum; Keble College; Pre-Raphaelites at the Ashmolean.

Day Five: Imagining Oxford through the ages

A retrospective of the periods covered earlier in the week and an opportunity to consider how the concerns of the past continue to shape the present. Excursion: rural Oxford. A chance, weather permitting, to explore the continuing dialogue between city and countryside within the city boundaries.

NOTE: The precise format of the week will be decided in discussion with the course tutor on the first morning.

Notes

This is one of our adult courses, which constitute part of the Academy's continuing education division. We offer summer courses in literature, science, philosophy, psychology, music, art. film, and architecture. New courses are frequently added to the website, so if this course does not match your requirements, keep checking the website. In addition, we can make tailor-made courses to suit your requirements - just email us at admin@oxford-royale.co.uk, and let us know what you are looking for.

Accommodation

Students stay in Wadham College, one of the most traditional Oxford University colleges. Located right in the centre of city, Wadham is near all the famous colleges and museums, which makes it ideal for an inspiring study break! The Wadham College website contains practical information about your stay.

Excursions – Oxford Based

Included in the course fees, is a full schedule of sightseeing activities and social events in the city of Oxford. Oxford is full of things to see and to do and is a wonderful place to get a small taste of British culture and heritage.

Excursions - Outside Oxford

Students wishing to travel outside Oxford, can visit places of historic interest, such as London, Hay-on-Wye, Bath and Blenheim Palace. These tours are an additional cost to the standard programme.

Application

You can either book online or you can download a paper application form and send it back to us.

If you require any support, please either email us or give us a call on +44 (0) 845 130 60 21.

Deposit

There is a booking deposit of £395.00 to accompany your application. Confirmation of your place will be sent to you once your application form has been processed.

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