Events
The Victorian Society runs a diverse programme of events including visits, walks, online talks and weekends away. These are publicised to members below and in the ‘Blue Sheet’ which is mailed with our membership magazine, ‘The Victorian’, in February, June and October. Members receive priority booking.
The Victorian Society is an CPD provider recognised by The Institute of Historic Building Conservation. Our recorded online talks can be found in our shop here. This is a fantastic opportunity to discover over 80 lectures on Victorian and Edwardian architecture, architects, and related themes including railways.
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November
Online Lecture: ‘Fair and Beautiful to Behold’ – Ecclesiastical Embroideries, by Mary Schoeser
This lecture discusses the neo-Gothic in relation to textiles and wallpapers, which focuses on ecclesiastical embroideries in particular. The title, Fair and Beautiful to Behold is after a quotation from G.E. Street. The lecture spills into the Edwardian period to include a Pankhurst banner and Ann Macbeth frontal, to bring out the double meaning of ‘fair’ (in social/political terms).
More informationVictorian Short Story Reading Group: ‘The Salt Inspector’ (Namak ka Daroga) by Munshi Premchand
The Victorian Short Story Reading Group has regular meetings to explore some of the exciting material from the golden age of the British short story, which began during the latter part of the nineteenth century. The current theme is colonial short stories, starting with stories from India.
More informationWalk: Westminster by Gaslight Walk, led by Elan Walks
Discover the magical gas lamps of Westminster and marvel at their fascinating history and world-changing legacy.
More informationOnline Lecture: Owen Jones and the V&A, by Olivia Horsfall Turner
This talk will examine each of the projects that linked Victorian designer Owen Jones and the early V&A: his famous illustrated publication The Grammar of Ornament (1856), his decorative scheme for the so-called ‘Oriental Court’, and his relatively little-known book Examples of Chinese Ornament (1867).
More informationTalk: More Wallpaper, Vicar? A Talk by Rowena Beighton-Dykes
Rowena will explore the socio-economic and political context of wallpaper purchases by members of the Anglican Church in the 19th century.
More informationOnline Lecture: The Mosaics of Westminster Cathedral, by Peter Howell
This talk will examine the decorative interior of Westminster Cathedral, particularly the mosaics. J F Bentley intended that the interior should be covered in marble revetment and mosaics but he never had any mosaics installed. However, he approved the designs for the Holy Souls Chapel by his friend William Christian Symons.
More informationDecember
Online Lecture: Innovations in the Art and Craft of Stained Glass in the 19th Century
The quest for materials that would evoke the chromatic and textural qualities of early medieval stained glass inspired the work of manufacturers, artists and architects during the Victorian era. This illustrated lecture examines how the art form evolved alongside new technical developments.
More informationVisit: Palace of Westminster
Join us on a crisp winter morning as we discover one of London’s best known buildings.
More informationOnline Lecture: Alfred Stevens: Master of Design, 1817-1875, by Teresa Sladen
When Alfred Stevens was waiting to hear who would finally be given the commission to design the Wellington Monument he said “They must give it to me. No one else knows anything about ornament”. What he meant by this is the subject of this lecture.
More informationVictorian Short Story Reading Group: ‘The Dâk Bungalow at Dakor’ by B. M. Croker
The Victorian Short Story Reading Group has regular meetings to explore some of the exciting material from the golden age of the British short story, which began during the latter part of the nineteenth century. The current theme is colonial short stories, starting with stories from India.
More informationOnline Lecture: Street Closure: A Discussion about Recent Visits to Buildings by G E Street
Join Neil Jackson as he examines the themes that have been raised from these visits.
More informationJanuary
Online Lecture: Victorian Colonial Short Stories 2: Dominions, Colonies & Protectorates
This lecture will survey short stories of colonial voyagers, squatters and settlers in Africa, Australia, British Malaya, Canada and New Zealand.
More informationOnline Lecture: London’s Lost Victorian Interiors, by Steven Brindle
Steven Brindle takes us through the wealth of Victorian interior design, most of which is long vanished.
More informationVisit: An 1890s House in Clapham
This is a rare opportunity to see the colourful and atmospheric candlelit interiors of this house in Clapham.
More informationVictorian Short Story Reading Group: ‘The Ghost upon the Rail’ by John Lang
The Victorian Short Story Reading Group has regular meetings to explore some of the exciting material from the golden age of the British short story, which began during the latter part of the nineteenth century. The current theme is colonial short stories, with stories from Australia.
More informationWinter Online Lecture Series 2025: Victorian and Edwardian Women in Architecture – 7 talks for 6
The Winter Lecture Series 2025 explores Victorian and Edwardian’s women’s connections with architecture.
More informationOnline Lecture: Victorian and Edwardian Women in Architecture, by Lynne Walker
Lynne Walker introduces a series of lectures that will extend our knowledge of women in architecture and the Victorian period.
More informationFebruary
Online Lecture: Rhoda and Agnes Garrett, ‘House Decorators’: the History of a Business, 1874–1905 by Elizabeth Crawford
Elizabeth Crawford discusses the first women to run a professional interior design business.
More informationTalk: Scattered Homes by Sheffield Hospitals History Group
Mary Garside of Sheffield Hospitals History Group looks at why children were in the workhouse and what other options were available for those in need of care.
More informationOnline Lecture: A W N Pugin and Women by Rosemary Hill
Pugin’s biographer explores the role women played in both Pugin’s personal and professional life
More informationOnline Lecture: Victorian Chatelaine: Emily Meynell Ingram of Temple Newsam, by James Lomax
The lecture will explore the life and legacy of a major female architectural patron.
More informationVictorian Short Story Reading Group: ‘The Dead Witness’ or ‘The Bush Waterhole’ by Mary Fortune
The Victorian Short Story Reading Group has regular meetings to explore some of the exciting material from the golden age of the British short story, which began during the latter part of the nineteenth century. The current theme is colonial short stories, with stories from Australia.
More informationOnline Lecture: ‘A Plea for women practising architecture’. Ethel and Bessie Charles, First Women Members of the RIBA’, by Henrietta McBurney
Henrietta McBurney will consider their work against the background of late Victorian & Edwardian architecture and social history.
More informationMarch
Online Lecture: Octavia Hill, John Ruskin, and Victorian Society, by William Whyte
William Whyte looks at her approach to social work as it was particularly shaped by her understanding of art and architecture.
More informationOnline Lecture: Clotilde Brewster: A Life in Perspective: the Journey of the First Female international Architect
Laura Fitzmaurice discusses the life of Clotilde Brewster (1874–1937) who became the first woman to work internationally as an architect.
More information