Academic

FORTHCOMING:

‘The Most Discussed Painter in England’: Rediscovering John Maler Collier

Join us as we delve into the fascinating career of Victorian artist John Maler Collier! Collier’s fame today rests upon his much-loved depiction of Lilith (1887), the archetypal femme fatale and mythical first wife of Adam, before Eve. However, his reputation as a leading artist was firmly established in his own time. A society portraitist, Collier painted many celebrated figures of the day, including Rudyard Kipling, Charles Darwin and his own father-in-law, scientist Thomas Henry Huxley, nicknamed ‘Darwin’s Bulldog’ for his support of evolutionary theory!

Collier delighted the gallery going public with the drama and ambiguity of his modern life subjects. Known as ‘Problem Pictures’, these paintings became a feature of the London social season as visitors tried to guess the story in the pictures. Collier’s history paintings similarly feature a colourful cast of characters, from the murderous Clytemnestra of Greek Myth to our own Lady Godiva.

This course will explore all this and more! We’ll address Collier’s mastery of the academic nude, his seamless blending of the Neoclassical and Pre-Raphaelite styles, and his wife Marian’s career as an artist.

The course is a precursor to an exhibition on John Collier at the Atkinson, Southport opening Summer 2027, of which I am Co-Curator. It provides a grounding for keen ‘gallery goers’ in anticipation of the forthcoming display of his works.

A single session on campus on Saturday 21 March, 10am - 1pm

Liverpool University Continuing Education

On campus at The University of Liverpool

Check website for details: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/continuing-education/choose-your-course/historical-studies/art-and-art-history/themostdiscussedpainterinenglandrediscoveringjohnmalercollier/

RECENT PAST COURSES:

Lecture

‘Mrs. Kendrick Pyne’ by Ford Madox Brown

Victorian artist Ford Madox Brown specialised in historical subjects and scenes of everyday life, combining a Hogarthian sensibility with a Pre-Raphaelite style – seen most strikingly in his masterpiece Work (1852-65) which remains an important cultural document of life in Victorian Britain. This talk considers the portrait of Mrs. Kendrick Pyne alongside important works from Madox Brown’s career, including his avant-garde landscape paintings, his design work, and his ambitious Manchester Town Hall murals.

The work is currently on display in the Atkinson’s 150th Anniversary Exhibition, and, as a bonus, the talk will include brief reference to other works in the current exhibition by artists in Madox Brown’s circle!

Wednesday 14th January, 2026, 1-2pm

The Studio, The Atkinson, Southport

Free gallery talk (donations welcome). Check website for further information.

Short Course

An Introduction to Art History through the Atkinson Collection

The Atkinson has a rich and varied collection with works of art dating from the 17th to the 21st centuries. Join me as we explore ways in to the history of art through examples from the Atkinson collection. We will look at different genres, such as History, Portraiture, Landscape and Still Life and consider issues of form, subject, style and symbolism, as well as addressing issues such as the status of women artists and changing fashions in the art world.

These sessions will also be looking at a number of works currently on display as part of The Atkinson’s 150th Anniversary Exhibition.

3 Sessions: Thursday 11th, 18th & 25 September, 2025, 11am – 1pm.

The Atkinson, Southport

Check website for further information and booking:

https://www.theatkinson.co.uk/events/session-1-introduction-history-art-dr-anna-madison/

Short Course

Masterpieces: An Introduction to J.M.W. Turner

Join us for an exploration of the celebrated and influential British artist J.M.W. Turner! This course is designed to coincide with Turner 250, a year-long festival of exhibitions and events celebrating 250 years since the birth of Turner.

This course explores the career of one of Britain’s greatest artists, J.M.W. Turner. It aims to provide participants with a grounding in the different phases in Turner’s artistic output, examining the influences (both historical and contemporary) which shaped his work and considering his legacy and impact on later artists. Students will gain a greater understanding of both Turner and the nineteenth century art scene in which he worked.

Our course is designed for anyone with an interest in the history of art, especially those seeking to further their knowledge of Turner and the cultural context in which he created his masterpieces. No prior knowledge is needed, just a passion for exploring and discussing art.

Week 2 is a visit to the Walker Art Gallery to see the Turner: Always Contemporary exhibition.

Thursdays 13th and 20th November, 2025, 2-4pm

Liverpool University Continuing Education

On campus at The University of Liverpool

Check website for details: https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/continuing-education/choose-your-course/historical-studies/art-history/masterpiecesanintroductiontojmwturner/