PROGRAMME OF LECTURES 2026
Lectures take place in THE PREPARATORY SCHOOL HALL, unless otherwise stated, on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. THE LECTURE WILL START PROMPTLY AT 8 PM. Please be in your seat at 7.45 pm for notices and introduction by the Chairman. Refreshments are available from 7.15 pm.
| January 13th | Threads of History: the World of the Bayeux Tapestry The Tapestry, possibly coming to London, is the last survivor of a vanished art form. The lecture will seek to unravel its mysteries, place it in the context of its age as a landmark in the history of Western art. | Rupert Willoughby A classicist, author and historian. |
| February 10th | John Constable: Chocolate Box painter or Maverick artist? 2026 is the 250th anniversary of Constable’s birth, coinciding with a major exhibition at the Tate. A beloved British artist but how radical was he? | Alan Read M.A. A regular lecturer and guide at Tate Britain and other major London galleries. |
| March 10th 7.30 pm start | Mozart and his Operas A musically illustrated lecture on Mozart’s most famous operas, with examples from around the world. The lecture will be preceded by a short musical presentation by Bancroft’s pupils | Jamie Hayes A noted and experienced musical director with a wealth of experience. |
| April | NO MEETING | |
| May 12th | TS Eliot and Art An exploration of the many links between Eliot and major artists of his day, as well as how they influenced his poems. | Tony Faber A writer and scion of the Faber publishing family, his varied experience and interests inform his lectures. |
| JUNE | NO MEETING | |
| July 14th | A History of the Colour Blue Loaded with symbolism, this colour has been used in many diverse cultures. | Alice White An award winning artist and lecturer at UCL |
| AUGUST | NO MEETING | |
| September 8th | The Architecture of Mughal India: Palaces, Mosques, Gardens and Mausoleums From 16th to 18th centuries, the Mughal Empire combined many architectural traditions to create the most iconic palaces and gardens in the world. | Dr. John Stevens A lecturer at SOAS and noted biographer of Indian poets, he has also lectured at many Indian universities. |
| October 13th | 1951 Festival of Britain, a Nation celebrated. Art, Architecture and Design in Post War Britain. What were the reasons for holding this festival in a country still struggling with rations? | Dr. Matthew Denney A senior valuer and auctioneer, university lecturer and author, with a special interest in fine and decorative arts. |
| November 10th AGM starts at 7.30 pm | Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge This lecture looks at the bequest of Lord Fitzwilliam as well as the development of the museum into one of Britain’s foremost collection of art and antiquities. | Sarah Burles After a distinguished career in the Fitzwilliam, Sarah now directs Cambridge Art Tours. |
| December 1st (1st Tuesday) | Old Wine in New Bottles How the Greeks and Romans fostered our love of wine and left a lasting legacy. | Gillian Howell A broadcaster and lecturer with a fascination for archaeology. |