MENU PREVIOUS LECTURES


× Home Our Society Lectures Visits Special Interest Days News Diary Exhibition Lists Volunteering Web Page Links Contact Us Joining Us


Click here for future lectures



Click here for future lectures

15 September 2026POTS AND FROCKS: The world of Grayson Perry from Essex punk potter to superstar national treasure
16 June 2026MEDIEVAL EMBROIDERY: Bayeux Tapestry to Opus Anglicanum
19 May 2026CARNATIONS, TULIPS AND HYACINTHS: THE STORY OF TURKEY’S IZNIK CERAMICS
21 April 2026THE BORGIAS: The most infamous family in history?
17 March 2026FROM DOWNTON TO GATSBY: Jewellery and Fashion from 1890 to 1929
17 February 2026THE HISTORY OF MUSICALS
20 January 2026BOUND TO LEARN – A brief history of Western bookbinding
18 November 2025FEASTS AND FANTASY
04 November 2025GEORGE VILLIERS: DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM - the handsomest man in 17th Century Europe and his patronage of the Arts.
21 October 2025DEATH BY WALLPAPER: Colourful Stories of Chemical Pigments and Dyes
16 September 2025CARTOONS AND CONTRAPTIONS: The Wonderful World of Heath Robinson
17 June 2025MOROCCO BLUES: Why And How the Country Changed Colour
20 May 2025THE MAKING OF LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHS
15 April 2025SIBELIUS & THE BIRTH OF FINLAND
18 March 2025ART IN 19TH CENTURY VENICE: Poets, Painters & Private Lives In Venice
18 February 2025THE AGE OF JAZZ
21 January 2025'I AM A BARD OF NO REGARD': REGARDING ROBERT BURNS
19 November 2024A DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS AND GOD BLESS EVERYONE
05 November 2024HOW WE LAUGHED: The “Golden Age” of British Comedy
15 October 2024THE ART OF THE CARTOONIST
17 September 2024BEAUTIFUL, BEASTLY, BIZARRE: the Art of Hieronymus Bosch
18 June 2024Bottoms Up! A History of Wine, its Rituals and its Vessels
21 May 2024MUSIC IN ART

Click on a row and scroll to display more details about the lecture

Lecture: POTS AND FROCKS: The world of Grayson Perry from Essex punk potter to superstar national treasure Lecturer: Ian Swankie Tuesday 15 September 2026

Grayson Perry is one of Britain's best known contemporary artists, and one of the most successful. Known primarily as a potter and visual artist he's also famous for his outlandish appearances dressed as his feminine alter ego, Claire. He is now a core part of the art establishment, a Knight of the Realm, Turner Prize winner, Royal Academician, popular broadcaster and colourful character.  His works are highly sought after. Often controversial, he tackles difficult subjects in a poignant yet witty manner and holds a mirror up to modern society. This talk will examine Sir Grayson Perry’s work, his exciting and thought-provoking exhibitions, and the unique character inside the flamboyant frocks.