Art Nouveau was the first truly modern international style. Between 1890 and 1914 it transformed cities across Europe, from Paris and Brussels to Glasgow, Vienna and Barcelona. Artists and designers created a new style inspired by nature, flowing lines and modern life, bringing art into architecture, interiors, jewellery, posters and everyday objects.
This course explores the rise of Art Nouveau and its many forms across Europe. Through key artists, designers and architects, we will examine how the movement combined beauty, craftsmanship and new technology to shape the modern world.
This course is taught by Dr Anne Anderson, who was a senior lecturer in Art and Design History at Southampton Solent University for 14 years. She has curated four national exhibitions and her book on The Perseus Series accompanied the Edward Burne-Jones exhibition (2018, Tate Britain). Anne has published over a hundred academic papers. She has held several prestigious fellowships including Fellow of the Huntington Library, CA and Fellow of the Henry Francis DuPont Winterthur Library and Museum. Currently a guide and lecturer, Anne specialises in Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts art tours.
Please note that there is no class on 16th November.
This course explores the development of Art Nouveau across Europe between 1890 and 1914. We will examine the movement’s distinctive style, its leading artists and designers, and its influence on architecture, posters, jewellery, interiors and the modern city.
Particular attention will be given to Paris and Nancy, alongside important figures such as Hector Guimard, Alphonse Mucha, René Lalique and Émile Gallé. The course also considers how Art Nouveau combined art, craftsmanship and modern design to create a new style for everyday life.
There are no formal entry requirements for this course. It is suitable for anyone with an interest in art, design, architecture or cultural history, whether you are completely new to the subject or wish to deepen your existing knowledge.
Just a pen and paper for note-taking, or a laptop if you prefer.
Further art history courses and workshops will be offered throughout the year, providing opportunities to continue exploring related artists, movements and themes in greater depth. Learners will be able to sign up for additional sessions as they become available.