Arts Society – Rome – The 1700s – The Grand Tour
Do come for a richly illustrated talk on this wonderful, historic collection.
If you are not a member (we are recruiting new members now) do come as a visitor to the hall. Just pay £10 at the door.
Betchworth Village Memorial Hall will open at 1.45 pm when tea and coffee will be served until 2.15 pm. Lectures begin promptly at 2.30pm. Those attending are asked to be seated by 2.25pm
Monday 16th November 2026 at 2.30
Rome – The 1700s – The Grand Tour by Stuart Harvey
The Grand Tourists of the 1700s changed the art world. Rome was now filled with wealthy travellers, many from Britain, not only visiting the great works of art and architecture, but also looking for portraits, miniatures, mosaics and ancient sculptures to purchase for their family collections. This lecture will highlight some of the most famous visitors to Rome, including many artists who came to study, and will introduce some of the fascinating characters that catered to them in Rome, as we look at how the art world in Rome adapted to this lucrative new market.
Our lecturer Stuart Harvey is a “History and Art Communicator” of 30 years’ experience. He is a London Blue Badge Tourist Guide (qualified in 1998 – awarded “New Guide of the Year”) and also a Guida Turistica Abilitata della Provincia di Roma (qualified in 2010). Living in Rome since 2003, Stuart has developed a great love for the Eternal City and its many treasures.Stuart’s entertaining, lively lectures and virtual tours bring the rich artistic and historical wealth of Rome’s 28 centuries to life for people all over the world.
Christmas tea will follow the talk.
And on Tuesday 8th December at 6.45 our Christmas charity lecture with seasonal refreshments.
‘The Dancing Faun’ by our acclaimed lecturer Bertie Pearce
Tickets £15 – pay at the door
For all our events or to become a member visit our website