Art History: War, Peace and Reconstruction: International Art before and after 1945

At a time of commemoration and anniversaries, this 10-week series of lectures surveys the international art scene around 1945 reflecting on the impact of war and political change.

It will consider the different tendencies, avant garde and popular, which emerged in this turbulent atmosphere and the agonised realism and wild escapism engendered by the knowledge of the concentration camps and the shadow of the H Bomb. At the same time, looking forward to reconstruction and reconciliation, many national and political leaders and cultural and welfare institutions looked to the creative arts to offer solace, vision and renewal. 

This course is taught through richly-illustrated lectures by three experienced tutors: Miriam Gill, David Antill and Ellie Pridgeon.

The course will run on Wednesday mornings, 10:30am -12pm, for 10 weeks, starting on Wednesday 7 May 2025. The final session will be on Wednesday 9 July 2025.

Participants must be aged 18+. No prior knowledge of art history or study experience is required.

Please ensure that you agree to our updated Terms & Conditions before booking as courses/workshops are non-refundable in some circumstances.

We aim to make all our sessions as accessible as possible and carers/PAs are very welcome – just remember to book their free place when you book your session. If you'd like to talk to us in advance of booking or attending your sessions to discuss your access needs, our Box Office team is here to help! Email arts-centre@le.ac.uk, pop in or call 0116 252 2455, open 7 days a week.

We have four blue badge parking spaces outside Attenborough Arts Centre, plus double yellow line roadside parking very close to the building for blue badge holders for up to three hours if our parking spaces are occupied.

Free parking for all customers is available after 5pm on weekdays and all day at weekends in the University of Leicester car park next door to Attenborough Arts Centre on Lancaster Road. The closest public car park for parking at all other times is Victoria Park, 5-10 minutes walk from us.