This Special Interest Day will take a fresh look at the artistic masterpiece of the Bayeux Tapestry. From September 2026 to July 2027 the British Museum in London will open a block-busting exhibition of the loan of the Bayeux Tapestry to England after 950 years.

The Bayeux Tapestry has been researched and written about for many years, resulting in many new ideas of its creation, purpose and the meaning it was meant to convey in the Norman period. History has left us very little surviving documents to work out and form a chronology, and it remains an historical enigma.

The Bayeux Tapestry is an embroidered linen cloth about 230 feet long and 20 inches wide, that depicts the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings in 1066. It is worth quoting the conservator of the tapestry, Sylvette Lemagnen, in 2005. ‘The Bayeux Tapestry is one of the supreme achievements of the Norman Romanesque. Its survival almost intact over nine centuries is little short of miraculous. Its exceptional length, the harmony and freshness of its colours, its exquisite workmanship, and the genius of its guiding spirit combine to make it endlessly fascinating.’

PRESENTATIONS

Historical Background and Key figures in the Tapestry

The historical period leading up to the conquest of England in 1066 was a formative time for King Edward the Confessor, Earl Harold, Duke William of Normandy and King Harold Hardrada of Norway. The death of King Edward the Confessor led to the events that were to be embroidered into the tapestry, culminating in the crowning of King William the Conqueror on Christmas Day 1066.

Creation of the Bayeux Tapestry in Canterbury with Documented, Artistic and Architectural Influences

Most historians strongly point to Odo, the half brother of Duke William, as the sponsor and organiser for the creation of the Bayeux Tapestry. He was made Earl of Kent and had strong links with St Augustine’s Abbey in Canterbury and its library. There are many documented influences of religious books and illustrations which are used in the tapestry.

Follow the Story of the Bayeux Tapestry from 1064 to 1066

Using the embroidered narrative of the tapestry we can follow the story through from the preparations, the sailings and the battle. Highlighting the accurate architecture, clothes, weapons, ships and everyday objects, which give a detailed window into both Saxon and Norman life in the 11th century.

Your Lecturer – Michael Stone

Former lecturer, curator and archaeologist Michael has spent 45 years working in archaeology, heritage, tourism, museums and as visiting lecturer at Bristol, Bournemouth and Bath Spa Universities for adult education programmes.

He continues to lecture for adult education programmes, U3A and is a regular lecturer for the world cruise enrichment programmes. For many years he has lectured, among other topics, on the meaning and creation of the Bayeaux Tapestry.

Location

The Auditorium, Brighthelm Centre, North Street, Brighton BN1 1YD
The Brighthelm Centre is centrally located in Brighton, 5 minutes from Brighton Station and served by a number of bus routes.

Car parking: the car park, adjacent to the Brighthelm Centre is very expensive. Somewhat cheaper, and 5 and 10 minutes walk away respectively, are car parks in Trafalgar Street and Churchill Square.

Timetable
10.00 Arrive
10.20 First lecture
11.20 Coffee/tea
11.40 Second lecture
12.40 Lunch
13.40 Third lecture
14.40 Finish

Costs and how to book: please click here to download a booking form

Christmas Lunch - Thursday 4th December
This year our Christmas Lunch will be held at The Gallery Restaurant, Brighton Metropolitan College, Whitecross Street, Brighton BN1 4FA.

Join us for a super lunch that will be cooked and served by students at the College.

Tickets cost £40.00 per person (Members only) for a three course lumch followed by tea/coffee and mince pies.  

We are limited to 50 places so please book early to avoid disappointment and bookings will close on 10th November - we will book on a 'first come, first served basis' with a waiting list if necessary.

Places will only be confirmed once payment and booking form are received - please return the form and payment to

Nick Goldsmith, 25 The Vineries, Nizells Avenue, Hove BN3 1PY  

Email:  goldsmith.nicholas@yahoo.co.uk  OR  Tel:  01273 726355

Click here for booking form with full details and menu choices .......

We are sorry but the Christmas lunch is now fully booked. 
This year our Christmas lunch will be held at 12pm on Thursday, 5th December at The Gallery Restaurant, Brighton Metropolitan College, Whitecross St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 4FA. Join us for a super lunch that will be cooked and served by students at the College.

The Gallery has an excellent reputation and by joining us on 5th December, not only will you have a fabulous lunch and lots of fun, but you’ll be supporting master chefs of the future!

Tickets cost £35.00 per person for three courses followed by tea/coffee and mince pies. Please see menu overleaf.

Wine will be available to purchase on the day. Credit card payments only.

This year our Christmas lunch will be held on Thursday, 14th December at the Double Tree by Hilton Metropole on Kings Road, Brighton. 

There will be a three course lunch with wine and a raffle included in the ticket price of £60. 

Members and guests are warmly invited to join us for some festive jollity. 

Closing date for bookings is 28 November 2023

Download further details and a booking form here. 

Join us at the Hove Club at 12.15 on Monday, 12th December for some festive jollity at our Christmas lunch. 

More information and a booking form can be downloaded here

Please do not post your booking forms due to the ongoing postal strikes. Please contact Jane Hopkin at janehopkin60@gmail.com or call 01273 649967 or bring your completed forms and payment to pur lecture meeting on Wednesday, 30th November. Closing date for bookings Monday, 5th December so hurry before it's too late! 

This year our Christmas lunch will be held on Wednesday, 1st December and we very much hope that you will be able to join us for some festive fun.

Click here for full details and a booking form.

A Study of three artists, their lives, their works and their perceptions of Georgian society and politics.

Session One: William Hogarth (1697-1764): Hogarth is nowadays mostly remembered as a talented satirist, but there is much more to him than that. He was extremely ambitious in other artistic fields, including portraiture, history painting, and art theory. He was also a tireless self-promoter and entrepreneur, with a real and practical concern for the status of his profession. This talk tracks his career from humble copper-plate engraver to successful painter, showing a wide variety of images which demonstrate his exceptional originality and inventiveness. Above all, however, it is his unparalleled eye for absurdity and human weakness which not only tells us so much about his own times, but gives us food for thought about our own.

Session Two: Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-92) and the Royal Academy: Joshua Reynolds became the Royal Academy’s first President, and was the obvious choice for the job. He had travelled widely in Europe in his youth, worked hard to become the pre-eminent portrait painter of the day, and was comfortable in the drawing-rooms and salons of wealthy and influential people. He was also an extremely efficient businessman and administrator. By looking at his career, and how he adapted European artistic fashions to suit British tastes, this talk reveals a good deal about the world he operated in.

Session Three: James Gillray (1757-1815): In the hands of James Gillray, the art of caricature became a highly sophisticated and inventive aspect of the visual culture of his period. The breathtaking audacity and sheer rudeness of his work still has the power to make people laugh out loud. But through his work, we can also get a glimpse of the riotous side of the high society which Reynolds presented so elegantly; and a sense of the cut-throat nature of the political scene at the time. Gillray lived at a time of immense social and political upheaval, dominated by a handful of larger-than-life public personalities, and it is very revealing to see how they were viewed by this master of disrespect. 

To be held at:
The Ark, Mounts Lane, Turners Hill, West Sussex RH10 4RA
Also available via Zoom for those unable to travel to the venue
10:00 am to 3:00pm.
£35 (including lunch) or £18 (without lunch)

Please click here for booking details and further information

Any monies accrued by running the Area's Special Interest Days will be used in furtherance of the Arts Society's charitable objectives.

This study day will aim to illustrate the many connections between music and art from the medieval period to the early nineteenth century, with a particular focus on Old Master paintings. Although music is often separated from the visual arts in the current day, many great artists were also musicians and took both disciplines extremely seriously. Paintings and sculpture illustrate how music was performed and consumed centuries ago, and allow us to glimpse into the past with both our eyes and ears.

(As part of this lecture several pieces of music will be performed live on a lute).

1) Medieval and Renaissance

This lecture will explore the changes that occurred during the late medieval to the renaissance, and how the rise of Protestantism and humanism affected the purpose of music in art, religion and society. Paintings by Van Eyck, Holbein, Titian and countless others that feature musicians and musical performance, will help us to navigate this period in both northern and southern Europe.

2) Baroque

Beginning in Caravaggio's Rome and ending in Vermeer's Netherlands, this section will deal with the various approaches that artists and musicians took to capture the emotional energies of the seventeenth century. Musical scenes feature heavily in both Catholic and Protestant art, yet, their appearance often represented drastically different themes.

3) Music Making and Art in the Age of Enlightenment

Despite the prominence of Opera in the eighteenth century, it was period this period that music making became a truly widespread activity in the home as well as the court. The increasing number of paintings, portraits and drawings of musicians and music making from this century provide us with an unrivalled opportunity to investigate the significance of music in the age of reason.

To be held at:
The Ark, Mounts Lane, Turners Hill, West Sussex RH10 4RA
Also available via Zoom for those unable to travel to the venue
10:00 am to 3:00pm.
£35 (including lunch) or £18 (without lunch)

Please click here for further information and details of how to book.

Any monies accrued by running the Area's Special Interest Days will be used in furtherance of the Arts Society's charitable objectives.

Focussing on the sumptuous society portraits of international artists such as Sargent, de Laszlo, Helleu and Boldini, and the couturiers and designers who defined the ‘look’ of the Edwardian period, we will recreate the 'social season' and the role of art for its newly wealthy patrons.

The talks will answer the questions:

• What were the main society events of the Edwardian London ‘season’?

• What role did art play in social acceptance as a person of refinement and culture? Who were the key players? • What role did King Edward VII and the Marlborough House set play in changing the rules of the game?

We’ll explore important influences from America and the effects of female emancipation on social conventions and etiquette. Commentaries from Henry James, Edith Wharton, and Elinor Glyn bring the personalities to life.

Mary Alexander will bring examples of period fashion materials to illustrate her talk and for members to explore.   

For more details please visit the Sussex Area Website

THE ARTS SOCIETY SUSSEX AREA SPECIAL INTEREST DAYS 2020

MONDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2020
A Short History of The Art & Colours of Garden Design presented by Timothy Walker

MONDAY 9 MARCH 2020
Edwardian Elegance: Art, High Society & Fashion  presented by Mary Alexander

MONDAY 20 APRIL 2020
The Sublime to the Ridiculous: Hogarth, Reynolds and Gillray presented by Linda Smith

For full details go to 'About Us' Tab and click on 'Documents' to download the Booking Form.

MID SUMMER SUPPER PARTY -  FRIDAY 14TH JUNE 2019

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF THE ARTS SOCIETY EAST SUSSEX

To be held at St Nicholas' Church, Brighton BN1 - (car park nearby - walking distance of Churchill Square buses and taxis)

Starting at 18.30 for Prosecco Reception 

Followed by a 3-course meal with wine

Alexandra Loske will be talking about 'George's Giraffe'

Dominic Desouza will be providing musical interludes on the piano.

We hope that many of our members, past and present, will be able to join us for the ver special occasion.

Tickets:  £25.00 per person

Booking form and contact details now available under 'Document' tab under 'About Us' or

Contact:  Jane Hopkin:  Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com:  Tel:  01273 649967:  Mobile:  07793 434761:

Monday 11th March 2019:  2nd Area Special Interest Day - "Frida Kahlo & Diego Rivera: Mexican Art & Culture" :  Lecturer  -  Chloe Sayer

Monday 25th March 2019:  3rd Area Special Interest Day - "Paintings Inspired by Music and Music Inspired by Paintings" :  Lecturer - Peter Medhurst

These will be held at The Ark, Turners Hill, West Sussex, RH10 4RA, 10.30 for 11.00

There are three one hour lectures, two before lunch, separated by a comfort break, and one after lunch - lunch can be taken as a buffet meal with wine upstairs from the main auditorium, or you can bring your own sandwiches and eat them downstairs.  Coffee/Tea provided during the day.

Early parking at The Ark is advised, however Turners Hill is within reasonable taxi distance of Three Bridges railway station, especially if the ride is shared. The venue is relatively cheap to hire, and can accommodate a large number of attendees. This meets our priorities and allows TAS Sussex Area to post a financial surplus, which can then help to support TAS missions in our county.

For Booking Forms contact the Sussex Area Representative:  
Mrs Angela Magness, email: angelafaymagness@hotmail.com:  Tel:  01444 414537:

The Arts Society East Sussex - Day of Special Interest celebrating The Arts Society Jubilee Year - Wednesday 2nd May from 10.30 am to 16.00

To mark the 50th Jubilee Anniversary of The Arts Society (formerly NADFAS) The Arts Society East Sussex are holding a Day of Special Interest celebrating the Arts and Antiques in Brighton and Hove at The Hove Club, 28 Fourth Avenue, Hove.

A welcome coffee in the Holland Room at 10.30 am to start off our celebrations - we will be introduced to various prominent cultural societies of Brighton & Hove who will talk about their activities and describe the various ways in which we can get involved including:

Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra, The Brighton Arts Council, The New Venture Theatre, The Cameron Art Gallery and the Hove Plinth Project.

Experts from Gorringe's Auction Galleries, Lewes will be on hand throughout the day to look at any personal objects brought along for advice and evaluation (a short of Antiques Road Show!), transportable of course!

A light buffet lunch and wine will be included.

This will be a ticked event with limited numbers on a 'first come, first served' basis and not to be missed.

Tickets:  £25.00 to include coffee on arrival, buffet lunch and glass of wine.

For Booking Form see 'Document' tab or please contact:

Jane Hopkin - Email:  janehopkin60@gmail.com
Tel:  01273 649967:  Mobile:  07793434761

CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON FRIDAY 1ST DECEMBER 2017

The Long Room, Spen Cama Pavilion, 
Sussex County Cricket Ground, Eaton Road, Hove 
At 12.15 for 1.00 pm   
Price:  £40 per person to include a welcome drink, wine with the three course meal, coffee, tea and mini mince pies, free Raffle with lots of prizes, gratuities, entertainment and poetry.

Bookings close on Friday 17th November

This will be a perfect opportunity for members and their guests to socialise together before the Christmas holiday period.

See menu choices below:
Starters:  Truffles Parsnip Soup with hazelnuts and bacon - GF
                (served without bacon) - V/VG
                Roasted Field Mushroom and green beans - GF/V
                with a fondue of blue cheese (served with Salsa Verdi) - GF
                Potted Salmon with dill lemon butter - GF and deep fried capers

Mains:      Turkey Paupiette wrapped in bacon, sprout bubble and squeak,
                sage & onion gravy, seasonal vegetables.
                Pan-fried Seabream, crushed purple potatoes - GF
                chard long stem broccoli, saffron and basil veloute
                Stuffed baked Aubergine with feta, red pepper and tomato fondue - GF/V/VG
                wilted greens, crushed purple potatoes

Desserts: Christmas Pudding, lemon curd ice-cream and rhubarb compote - V
                Chocolate Pot, hazelnut praline and pear sorbet - GF/V
                Mulled Winter Fruits with pear sorbet - GF/VG
                Selection of Cheese & Biscuits
Tea, Coffee and chocolate mints to finish.
GF = Gluten Free:  V = Vegetarian:  VG = Vegan:

Download the Booking Form and Menu Choices here or go to the 'About Us' Tab and look under the 'Documents' tab.

Cheques to be made payable to 'The Arts Society East Sussex' and send to:
Mrs Jane Hopkin, 3 Champions Row, Wilbury Avenue, Hove, BN3 6AZ
Tel:  01273 649967    Mobile:  07793434761
Email:   janehopkin60@gmail.com

Bookings close Friday 17th November

As NADFAS members in the Sussex Area we have been offered a unique opportunity to visit West Dean College this summer on Wednesday 5th July 10.30 to 17.00 to see the inspirational work carried out there in the most beautiful of surroundings.  It will be an extraordinary privilege to see workshops tours, meet and talk with students and see their exhibitions and look round the gardens two course Lunch - cost of day £48.00 per head.  

10.30:             Arrival and coffee
11.00-13.00:   Open workshops - guests can circulate through the             workshops where students and tutors will be available to discuss
                       the programmes and objects on display.
13.00-14.30:   Formal two-course set lunch in the Old Library.
14.30-15.00:   Talk from David Dorning, Head of School of Conservation.
15.00-17.00:   Gardens - guests are invited to enjoy West Dean grounds and gardens.
Price:             £48.00 per head

Click here for booking form

2017 Sussex Area 'Special Interest Days'

Three exciting Sussex Area Special Interest Days 
Venue:  The Ark, Turners Hill, West Sussex, RH10 4RA
Time:     10.00 to 3.00 pm
Friday 24th February - 'A Tale of Three Cities: Athens, Rome and Palmyra' - Tutor: Dr Paul Roberts
Monday 13th March - ' Murderers, Madmen and Monarchs: Shakespeare through Artists' Eyes' - Tutor: Vivien Heffernan
Thursday 13th April - 'Art and Revolution: the Life and Death of the Russian Avant-Garde' - Tutor:  Rosamund Bartlett

See Visits Desk for more information or visit the Sussex Area website. www.sussex.nadfas.net or downland the information and booking form by going to Documents:

CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON - FRIDAY 2ND DECEMBER 2016

Booking Forms together with cheques and menu choices to be returned no later than Friday 18th November to Jane Hopkin, see address below.

The Long Room, Spen Cama Pavilion, 
Sussex County Cricket Ground, Eaton Road, Hove 
At 12.15 for 1.00 pm   
Price:  £40 per person to include a welcome drink, wine with the three course meal, coffee and mints to finish, free Raffle with lots of prizes, gratuities, entertainment and poetry.

This will be a perfect opportunity for members and their guests to socialise together before the Christmas holiday period.

See menu choices below:
Starters:  Roast Sweet Potato Soup with Thai spices and creme fraiche:
                    Chicken & Chorizo beignet with spiced tomato jam:
                    Smoked Fish Rillettes with petit salad, horseradish &
                    Beetroot relish:
Main:        Traditional hand-carved Turkey with bacon wrapped
                    chipolatas, herb stuffing and roast gravy:  
                    Asian Braised Short Rib of Beef with soy jus, steamed pak
                    choi, spring onion mash:
                    Roasted pave of Salmon, tarragon & mussel veloute, with
                    new potatoes, long stemmed broccoli and roasted cherry
                    tomatoes:
                    Wild Mushroom Arrancini, Mediterranean vegetable ragout,
                    wilted cavelo nero and shaved pecorino:    
Desserts: Christmas Pudding with mulled plums and orange
                     mascarpone:
                     Chocolate Fondant with vanilla ice-cream:
                     Potted Stilton with port jelly and onion bread:

Coffee and Mints:

Download the Booking Form and Menu Choices here or go to the 'About Us' Tab and look under the 'Documents' tab.

Cheques to be made payable to 'ESDFAS':Mrs Jane Hopkin, 3 Champions Row, Wilbury Avenue, Hove, BN3 6AZ
Tel:  01273 649967    Mobile:  07793434761
Email:   janehopkin60@gmail.com