The Arts Society West Wales: Vases and Volcanoes – Sir William Hamilton and his Collection

Lecture starts at 11am

This lecture will focus on two overriding interests of the late 18th century – the study and collecting of Greek vases and a fascination with volcanic activity; encouraged by the excavations at Herculaneum and Pompeii; and will look, in particular, at the life and collections of Sir William Hamilton, British envoy to the Court of Naples from 1764 to the end of the century. It is based on an exhibition of the same name staged by the British Museum in 1996, and could be followed up by a visit to the Museum’s new Enlightenment Gallery.

Jane has a MA History of Art, University of London. Trained at the V&A and continues to lecture there. Was Senior Lecturer at Sotheby’s Institute of Art for 17 years, becoming a Deputy Director of Sotheby's, UK. Has also lectured for the National Trust, the Art Fund, London University, Buckingham University, l'Institut d'Etudes Superieures des Arts in Paris, a private women's college in Saudi Arabia, on cruise ships and at antiques fairs and interior design conferences in America.

Guests Welcome £15 on the door

For more infoamtion please contact – 07876 590543 or 07900 007205

The 2026/7 Programme is now available on The Arts Society West Wales's website HERE