The 2026 John Hall Venice Course begins!

yes yes, I know, I know...it's been too long, I've taken too long to get this repoirt filed, but for some reason it's all been so hectic!

We are all so delighted to be back in our wonderful lecture room in the revamped National Gallery Sainsbury Wing, which is not to say that our three years at The ICA was a banishment...but good to be home again!

It was a great privilege to be welcomed, on our first day, by Sir Gabriele Finaldi, the director, and from there we launched into our usual wide menu of subjects, from Fawaz Gerges' highly thought-provoking talks on The Ottoman Empire, the rise of The Islamic Caliphate and the Time of Emperors, to Paul Williams on Climate Science, Jeremy Howard on The Grand Tour and many more, plus some great visits; a tour of The City of London and its architecture, Tate Modern and a couple of private visits to see the Venetian art of The National Gallery

As well as our lectures and visits we had a fantastic party at The Travellers club, attended by both present students and alumni from John Hall courses, 1965 onwards

Then off to Venice! Arriving in glorious sunshine as we travelled across the lagoon in water taxis.