E-News Bulletin September 2026

We regret to announce the death of Jacqueline Leigh, who was a previous Chairman of our Society. Jackie joined ULEMHAS (as it was then) over thirty years ago, and took a very active part in the organisation of the Society through her membership of the Committee, becoming Chairman for four years until 2014, but remaining a member until 2020. She also was a valued member of the Review Panel. Jackie was devoted to the Society, and responsible for greatly expanding the range of Society activities over the years. And, she was firmly committed to maintaining the highest possible academic standards with our lectures and study events. Many members will remember her good sense of humour and her tireless work for our Society.

SOCIETY EVENTS

Next members’ lecture:

The next members’ lecture is Arcimboldo at the Court of the Alchemists with Rupert Dickens. This is an online Zoom event on the 19th of October. It is free for members but booking is required.

All members’ lectures for 2026-2027 are now available for booking by clicking here.

Places are available on our upcoming study events:

Barbizon and the Making of Modern Landscape a three-day online course on 6th, 7th and 8th October 14.00-16.00 with Jo Rhymer.

Byzantium’s Capital: Constantinople, the New Rome, the Queen of Cities a study day led by Dr Cecily Hennessy on the 28th October from 11:00 – 16:30 at Lettsom House. Very limited availability for in-person attendance.

Vienna 1900: Surface and Depth a short course at the Art Workers’ Guild with Dr Niccola Shearman on Wednesday 11th November and Wednesday 18th November from 11:00 to 16:00.

London Interiors – Style and Taste in Interior Design, 1660-1940 a three-day online course on 24th, 25th and 26th November 10.00-12.00 with Dr Steven Brindle.

Design for Performance: Art on the British Stage a study day led by Jane Pritchard MBE on 2nd December from 11:00 – 16:30 at Lettsom House.

NEW Super-splendid: Medieval Marian Art a study course led by Dr Sally Dormer at Lettsom House, every Friday from the 8th of January to the 5th of February 2027, 11am-1pm.

All the above are in-person study events (except Barbizon and the Making of Modern Landscape and London Interiors – Style and Taste in Interior Design, 1660-1940) and are also offered on a post-event recording only basis, with recordings available to all attendees for 4 weeks.

There are also many upcoming study visits and walks:

Visit to Romsey Abbey led by Dr Richard Plant on Wednesday 9th September at 13:30. Last few places available.

Visit to Canterbury Cathedral October 2026 with Dr Sally Dormer on Friday 2nd October. Now waiting list only.

Simon Gillespie Fine Art Restorers and Conservators Study Tour on Monday 2nd November. Now waiting list only.

Visit to Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery on Friday 4th December at 11:00 or 14:00.

Please bear in mind that in order for these events to go ahead, we need to cover their costs. We kindly ask that members book as early as possible to ensure that events do not need to be rescheduled or at worst cancelled.

Dates for your diary: 

Tuesday 26th January 2027 – Dutch Golden Age Still Life, a study day led by Clare Ford-Wille at Lettsom House (booking opens mid-October).

Friday 2nd July 2027 – Georgia O’Keeffe, a study day led by Kathy McLauchlan at Lettsom House (booking opens on 1st October). The Courtauld has recently announced that it will be delivering a major Georgia O’Keeffe Exhibition in the Autumn of 2027.

Volunteering

We still urgently need volunteers, both for the events team and to help produce the Newsletter. We’d appreciate any offers of assistance – no-one is “thrown in at the deep end” and training is provided. If you’d like to learn more, please contact our Chair, Jeanette McCauley, via the email link on the website or speak to her or one of the other Organisers in person at one of the upcoming events.

Current Exhibitions and Lectures in London

With thanks to Eva Bigalke, you can access and download a listing of current and future exhibitions showing in London from now until January 2027 here.

Overseas Exhibitions

Cezanne et Nous, Grand Palace, Paris, France. Opening September 23rd until January 17 2027

Cezanne et nous at Paris’s Grand Palais explores Paul Cézanne’s profound influence on modern art, bringing together nearly 180 works by Cézanne and artists including Gauguin, Matisse, Picasso, Mondrian, Joan Mitchell, Bridget Riley and Peter Doig.

Berlin Art Week, Berlin, Germany. Running from September 9th – September 13th

Berlin Art Week, taking place 9–13 September 2026, is a five-day contemporary art festival bringing together more than 100 museums, galleries, collections, project spaces and an art fair across Berlin. It includes gallery openings, performances, private collections and special events.

If you wish to recommend other overseas exhibitions that may be of interest to fellow members please contact our Communications Coordinator.