As part of our Neighbourhood Learning Summer School 2026, join art historian Angie Smith for this rich and rewarding Neighbourhood Workshop dedicated to one of the greatest and most distinctive figures in the history of English art.
He was sharp, subversive, and utterly fearless — and nearly three centuries on, his images still stop you in your tracks.
William Hogarth (1697–1764) was a man of extraordinary gifts — a fine portraitist, a superlative engraver, and a storyteller of biting wit and boundless imagination. His images didn't just depict Georgian society; they held a mirror up to it, exposing its hypocrisies, its excesses, and its humanity with equal measure.
From the teeming, chaotic streets of Gin Lane to the cautionary drama of A Harlot's Progress, Hogarth's work captured the noise, the colour and the moral complexity of his times with an energy that feels startlingly modern. But there was far more to this remarkable artist than his most famous scenes suggest.
Across three richly illustrated sessions, Angie will guide you through the full arc of Hogarth's career, exploring the economic, social and political forces that shaped his extraordinary output — and revealing why this most English of artists remains as compelling, relevant and provocative today as he ever was.
Our home for the day will be the wonderful Holbrook Manor, a graceful Georgian house set in the peaceful Somerset countryside near Wincanton. Effortlessly combining heritage, comfort, and tranquillity, you’ll immediately feel at home. With a 2-course lunch included and refreshments at breaktimes prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, we’ve certainly got your appetite for both delicious food and learning covered!
Book your place…
For a full course description, including details on the tutor, venue, accommodation (where applicable) and more, visit our full listings page by clicking here.
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Angie has a first class honours degree in Art History and a Phd in Cultural History from the Warburg Institute (London University). She is an experienced lecturer; she taught for more than a decade in higher education and is an accredited lecturer for the Arts Society. Angie has published many articles and a number of books including A Timeline of Art History and most recently, a volume for the Oxford Historical Society on the building accounts of Corpus Christi College, Oxford.
Click here to find out more about Angie Smith and find out more about her upcoming courses
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Nestled in the Somerset countryside near Wincanton, Holbrook Manor is a charming Georgian house offering comfort, calm, and character — ideal for residential courses and retreats. With its elegant rooms and home-cooked meals, it’s the perfect place to learn, relax, and recharge.
The venue has plenty of free parking and the course rooms are all accessible.
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Please note: The following timings are just for guidance. Confirmed timings will be released to students nearer the course start date.
We will usually begin from 10:00 before a short mid-morning break at 11:00. We’ll then run until we have a lunch break at 12:30 (Food will be served at 13:00) before resuming until 15:30.
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Pen & paper if you wish to take notes, and an open mind!
Our Summer School 2026 is here!
Enjoying the look of this course? This is just one of a wonderful array of talks, workshops and lectures taking place throughout the Neighbourhood Learning Summer School 2026. From art history and architecture to craft and culture, there's something to fascinate and inspire at every turn — and if you really want to immerse yourself, why not join us as a resident for the entire Summer School? Visit our dedicated Summer School page to explore everything that's on offer and find out how to make the most of this very special summer.
