Whistler vs. Ruskin - Flinging a pot of paint in the public's face

Presented by Alan Read

The famous trial in 1878 between artist and critic became one of the first great public debates in Britain about modern art. This lecture looks at the issues and personalities involved in this famous court-room drama, how their animosity divided the art world and the extent to which it can be argued that the outcome of the trial ruined both Whistler and Ruskin.

Alan Read holds a master’s and first class honours degree in History of Art from Birkbeck College, London. He is a gallery guide at Tate Britain, Tate Modern, National Portrait Gallery and for Frieze Masters and regularly lectures at the NPG, Dulwich Picture Gallery, Plymouth City Art Gallery and other galleries in the UK. He also works as a London Blue Badge Guide and a City of London Guide.

About ADFAS Shoalhaven

ADFAS Shoalhaven promotes interest in the study of decorative and fine arts by offering high quality monthly lectures on a wide range of subjects including art, history, gardening, design, and architecture.

The monthly meetings are a wonderful and informal way to make friends and to get to know others in the community. Visit our website for information on membership. Visitors are always welcome. Doors open 7pm for a 7:30pm start.