War artists: the British art of World War I

About this course

The course explores how British artists responded to the First World War across painting, sculpture and printmaking. Topics include propaganda posters, officially commissioned war paintings, memorials and other commemorative projects, alongside comparisons with German and American work. Lecture-based teaching uses projected images, with group discussion supporting analysis of works such as Nevinson’s *Paths of Glory*, Jagger’s Royal Artillery Memorial and Stanley Spencer’s paintings at Sandham Memorial Chapel. Discussion considers war art as a record of experience, a form of propaganda, an expression of nationalism and gender identity, and a means of healing.

What you'll learn

• Discuss the historical and artistic contexts of First World War art
• Analyse the styles and formal characteristics used by war artists
• Assess the effectiveness and limitations of war art as propaganda
• Evaluate how war art expresses national identity and personal experience

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners of all levels. It combines illustrated lectures with group discussion, so participants should be able to follow straightforward written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, handouts and health and safety information, and take part in discussion.

• Suitable for learners at all levels
• Includes lecture-based teaching with slide images
• Participation in group discussion is invited

Before you go

• A notebook may be useful for taking notes.
• Books from any reading list may be purchased if desired.