This autumn, there will be a programme of talks that explore exhibitions in London and the art historical background to them.

The first three sessions (7, 14 September and 5 October) will focus on Landscape, with an introductory week on key aspects of landscape, such as ‘the picturesque’ and the Sublime landscape. There will then be a week each on two great names in British Landscape painting; JMW Turner and John Constable. These three talks complement an evening talk at Bell House (19 September) on the ‘Thomas Cole : Eden to Empire’ exhibition at the National Gallery.

Starting 7th September – Art in the Afternoon

A series of art lectures covering current exhibitions on in London

14th September – Harpsichord concert 

Join us at Bell House for a harpsichord recital with local musicians Lorraine Liyanage and Alexandra Kremakova from the SE22 Piano School in East Dulwich. Money raised from the recital will go to Bell House to fund future courses and talks. Ticket pricing to include a glass of wine on arrival:

£15 / Early Bird tickets £12

19th September – Thomas Cole: Talk

The first of our art lectures this Autumn begins with a talk on Thomas Cole: ‘Eden to Empire’.

Rosalind Whyte returns to Bell House to tell us about Thomas Cole, the subject of a National Gallery exhibition, on now and showing until October 7. Although an Englishman, Cole was regarded as the greatest American landscape artist of his generation. Actually born in England in 1801, he emigrated to America in 1818 for a better life.

22nd September – Dyslexia Fair

Bell House is hosting its inaugural dyslexia fair. A day dedicated to raising awareness and a chance for you to meet specialist suppliers, publishers, technological innovators and educators. There will be stalls where you can try out different products designed to aid dyslexic learning and talks and interactive workshops throughout the day.

28th September – The Urban Vineyard

Have you ever thought of setting up a vineyard in your back garden? In this talk, Paul Olding will be discussing the joys of urban vineyards and answering questions on grape cultivation.

Paul Olding is an award-winning TV Director and Producer. For years he haboured a dream of setting up a vineyard somewhere close to home, home being southeast London. But was it possible to grow grapes and make drinkable wine in the (sub)urban jungle? He decided to give it a go. With the help of his family, Paul realised his dream and now shares his experiences so you too can have your own urban vineyard. The evening will include an illustrated discussion, and the chance to try some of Paul’s very own wine.

29th September – How to… Write Personal Stories

Maggie Smith is back for another writing workshop!

We all have a story to tell – about our childhood, the place we live, our travels, the trials of parenthood. Some of us have begun, others don’t know where to start, or aren’t convinced they can write – then find they can! The day is for those anywhere on this spectrum. It will offer ways to get ideas flowing, to reflect on details we may have forgotten, plus time to write with no distractions.

Tickets details on all events at www.bellhouse.co.uk.

Bell House, 27 College Road, Dulwich SE21 7BG.

This article first appeared in the September 2018 issue of SE22 magazine.