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Writer's pictureTim Boatswain

Romantics, Pre-Raphaelites and Fairies: from William Blake to E.R. Hughes

Updated: Mar 22, 2023


Special Study Day: Saturday 26 March, 10.30 am -3.30 pm, Alban Room, 1st Floor Chapter House, St Albans Cathedral


Art of the Victorian age was fascinated with fairies and themes of the supernatural. Across three lectures, we will examine this fascination and chart the development of the genre from its origins in the theatre and literature of Romanticism, right through to the metaphorical powers it held in the art of Symbolism, particularly the radical Pre-Raphaelite circle. Whilst the portrayal of fairies seems at odds with the Pre-Raphaelites aim to pursue 'truth' in their art, these talks will discuss how, becoming caught up in the cultural zeitgeist of the time, the group formed their own fairy archetype.

The day will be divided into a morning and afternoon session and will consist of lectures from three distinguished speakers. We are very pleased to welcome as our keynote speaker Dr. Carol Jacobi, Curator of British Art (1850-1915) at Tate Britain. Joining Carol will be Professor Geraint John, Emeritus President of St Albans Civic Society, and Professor Tim Boatswain, Professor of Anthropology and History and also a regular speaker here at St Albans Cathedral. To join, go to :

https://www.stalbanscathedral.org/Event/romantics-preraphaelites-and-fairies

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