Art History UK: Discover London

One could spend weeks in the National Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museums, but on this day we will focus on 7 thrilling masterpieces from 16th century Italy. A century rife with the Protestant threat in the north, an ever increasing presence of humanism, a patronage-mad papacy, and a court culture to rival France we will learn how art became a vital tool for popes, dukes and churches alike. From the artistic hotspots of Rome, Florence, Venice and Parma we will study Michelangelo, Raphael, Titian, Bronzino, Tintoretto, Correggio and Giambologna.

We will start the morning at 11am in the National Gallery and then lunch at 1.30. After a visit to the highly acclaimed and recently opened Renaissance galleries in the V&A we will learn about the great Raphael tapestries commissioned by Pope Leo X for the walls of the Sistine chapel.

Please note that the price for this day includes gallery contributions and taxis. The day will finish at around 5pm.

London is arguably the greatest city in the world. Rose Balston will bring the art, culture and architecture to life, explaining why sites are important and how better to appreciate London's rich history. In small groups (generally 8 or fewer) you will be given an insight that will spark your imagination and allow you to enjoy the glorious treasures of London. Rose studied Art History at Edinbrugh University and has taught for Art History Abroad in Italy and London for four years.