Art and Design since 1850

The group traces the roots of modern art and design back to the middle of the nineteenth century, from William Morris, his friends and some of the Pre-Raphaelites in England to the Realists and then the Impressionists in Paris. It looks at how the reaction against ornament for ornament's sake and the wish to return to craftsmanship spread to other countries. The material draws on six years of visits to galleries, exhibitions and buildings in various countries. The group has recently restarted and meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 10am until noon.