Tuesday 1 October 2013

EXCITING EVENTS IN SUSSEX - ENTERTAINING AS WELL AS EDUCATIONAL, FUN AS WELL AS FACTUAL.
Sarah Tobias lecturer in social & cultural history
Keep visiting this site for regular updates 
Details given as accurately as possible, but may change, be postponed or cancelled.
PLEASE CHECK ALL VENUES, FEES, DAYS BEFORE BOOKING. DETAILS OF VENUES AT END.
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 AUTUMN 2013

 T W O   L I N K E D   I L L U S T R A T E D   L E C T U R E S 
PRESTON MANOR
 (End of Preston Park, Brighton) Free parking, buses stop nearby, Preston Park railway stationc
*  CHRISTMAS AT PRESTON MANOR  *
Two linked, illustrated lectures on the fascinating history and customs of the festive season as may have been celebrated at the manor.  
10.30am-1.30pm

TUESDAY 3 DECEMBER 
10.30am-1.30pm
* VICTORIAN & EDWARDIAN EXCESS: The COMMERCIAL CHRISTMAS *
The Victorian commercial Christmas in all is glory. Confections and conventions, decorations, cards and games. Origins of the Christmas tree and vital information such as why crackers go ‘pop!’ Great festive fun.
Fee: £15 Foundation members £12 includes tea and biscuits

TUESDAY 10 DECEMBER 
10.30am-1.30pm
* TWENTIETH CENTURY & HOMEFRONT XMAS IN WARTIME *
We look at Twentieth century Christmas celebrations. How the Festive season was spent from Edwardian turn-of-the-century, to ‘Ragtime’ and 'Fifties, and see how the austerities of Wartime brought about much ingenuity. 
This very enjoyable session will put you in the mood for Christmas!
Fee: £15 Foundation members £12 includes tea and biscuits

Each session illustrated with slides, books, ephemera and costume and includes a tour of part of the house plus tea and biscuits.

A fabulous course in a fabulous house.

Book: 03000 290902 Information: 01273 292981
Book Online: http://www.brighton-hove-rpml.org.uk/WhatsOn/Pages/ChristmasPastatPrestonManor.aspx

HEALTHWALKS (10th Anniversary)
FREE guided tour 
STROLL ON THE STEINE (and environs) and PAVILION GARDENS HISTORIC WALK
Friday 13 December Meet 11am in front of Marlborough House
Historic walk on Brighton's fashionable parading place, originally where fishermen dried their nets, and included circulating libraries, hotels, home of Prince Regent's secret wife, shops and department store. We also explore Royal Pavilion gardens, nearby streets and narrow winding alleys.
Lasts approx 1hr 40m-2 hrs. Cafes nearby. Pre-booking and
lots of further free walks: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/healthwalks

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Spring & Summer 2014 courses  
Keep visiting site for regular updates and additions

Spring 2014

1 0   W E E K  C O  U  R S E 
ARTS, CULTURE and SOCIETY:
LATE VICTORIAN BRITAIN 1865-1895
A new and exciting vision of domestic history as revealed in literature, art and the moving image: interpretations of late-Victorian cultural and social developments. We will observe the visual experience of change in architecture, technology, domestic life, working conditions, farming, poverty, medicine, women’s status, leisure activities, fashion, style and the arts.
We consider how children were educated and trained for various occupations and trades, as well as studying labour, conditions and new occupations, which led to changing trends in the home and style of living, eating and the way houses were decorated, for example wallpaper. We also look at different roles of servants and housekeeping. Other areas of study for comparison will include arts, literature and the importance of fashion and etiquette.
At this time there was much adulteration and dilution of food – sheep's droppings to weight tea packets, for example, and brick dust for colouring. People became ill or died from eating certain foods, including ice-cream, as a consequence. Inspectors were appointed to regulate hygienic practice and ensure customers were not cheated when food was incorrectly weighed. There were many types of eating-places such as soup-house, coffee stall, chop house and tea gardens, as well as elegant dining rooms and hotels. We look at food, dining and the Victorian kitchen garden, which was benefiting from new technologies and scientific ideas on horticulture. Seed packets were designed in bright colours of exquisite artistic design.

We look at period books and paintings, including the touching story of unmarried “Esther Waters” by George Moore which was made into a film starring Dirk Bogarde (we view clips), and the social novels of writers such as Dinah Craik, George Gissing, Margaret Oliphant, Anthony Trollope, Thomas Hardy and H.G. Wells, as well as the works and life of witty Oscar Wilde who had associations with Brighton.

If you like history and books and paintings this course is definitely for you! Illustrated with slides, books, extracts from period diaries and journals, prints, paintings and video clips.

City College, Brighton 10 weeks Monday 1.30-3.30pm 
start 13 January 2014
Ref: COM076 Fee: £99  Book- T: 01273 667767 or download booking form from website: http://www.ccb.ac.uk/public/courses/adult/


Whiteway Centre, Rottingdean 10 weeks Wednesday 10.30-12.30pm 
start 15 January 2014
Fee £75 Download booking form: http://www.rwc.org.uk/index.html or pick up a form at Whiteway Centre
                                                                                                                                          
S H O R T   C O  U  R S E S
Friends Centre, Brighton Junction
(Near Brighton railway Station)

A Short History of Brighton & Hove - a unique resort
We explore the development and expansion of Brighton and Hove from early life on the downs to vibrant twentieth century; noting how a small, poor fishing town emerged into a fashionable resort. 
We discuss particular aspects that have made Brighton unusual and unique, including its ‘racy’ image and emergence into the modern society and culture of twentieth and twenty-first centuries. We also consider possible explanations for Brighton’s particular rise in popularity, fame and infamy, and why a small, poor fishing town should have developed into something more than just a seaside resort and why the fashionable ton wanted so much to be part of its life. 
Illustrated with slides, video, maps, prints and books.

5 weeks Tuesday starting 14 January 10am-12pm Fee: £55 (£33)
Book in person or T: 01273 810210 or www.friendscentre.org
                                          

 Whitehawk Inn Community Centre, Brighton
Art Deco and Modernism

This course focuses on the new, very distinctive style that emerged 
1920s & '30s, vibrant with colour; its modern designs full of sharp 
patterns and influenced by many styles and countries  especially 
ancient Egypt. It was also described as "jazzy" and it utilised 
modern technology and innovations, such as plastic, chrome, 
aluminium and electricity.

We study influence, architecture, style, fashion, interiors, paintings 
and 1930s film clips - and the course is illustrated with slides, 
video, books, images and artefacts

5 weeks Wednesdays 2.30-4.30pm start 15 January

Course fee £55  there are various concessions

Book: 01273 682222  Enrolment opens this week-24 November
This is going to be popular - early booking essential

CONCERT OF WORDS & MUSIC
Unitarian Church Hall, New Road, Brighton

CIMAROSA - THE ITALIAN MOZART
 Domenico Cimarosa, Italian composer of the Neapolitan school, composed over eighty operas.
Devised by Ambrose Page who also plays piano
Narrated by Sarah Tobias and Peter Morris
Further details to follow soon.
Friday 24 January 12.30pm
Admission £3 on door

S  A  T  U  R  D  A  Y   C  O  U  R  S  E
CITY COLLEGE, BRIGHTON
5 week fortnightly course

THE NOVEL AS SOCIAL HISTORY
A new and unique course comprising literature, social and cultural history 
and book club.
Morning session FULL - additional afternoon session now available
Within the pages of the novel we discover more than just a story. Setting, portrayal of characters and background detail tell us much about the period and its social history.

We study the social and cultural history of the novel by exploring the background information we are absorbing unwittingly and which is not the main theme, but which gives us a deeper and clearer understanding of period and general minutiae of everyday life. Within every piece of fiction is a wealth of information on culture and social life which can lead us into a deeper understanding of a subject, time or place, period in history, genre, working conditions, habits, style or social trend that we might pursue further, or deepen our knowledge and intensify our interest.

Within the pages of the novel we discover much more than just a story or work of fiction. The setting, portrayal of characters, clothing, habits, and background detail tell us much about the period and social as well as cultural history in which the story is set. We learn about customs, manners, etiquette, clothing, speech and aspects of everyday, domestic and public life - from the poorest working class living in slums to the wealthiest socialites. A humorous novel can lift our spirits and a dark one make us reflect.

As extracts from several novels are read out, we discuss what exciting `other' information we are discovering. How people live, what else they do with their time, what their living conditions are really like, how they are educated - possibly by the way they `speak'. We can tell a person's class by the way they are dressed and how they talk to other people. We can view relationships and the class system, as well as other background details about architecture, housing and rural and urban settings.

We will also compare the written word with its moving image - the film of the novel.

A list of suggested reading is available from the tutor although it is not a requirement of the course to read the novels mentioned. 

5 fortnightly Saturdays 11am-1pm FULL
2-4pm additional session now available
Saturdays February 1, 15, March 1, 15, 29
Ref: COM174 Fee: £55 Book- T: 01273 667767 
or download booking form from website: http://www.ccb.ac.uk/public/courses/adult/

T A L K
Tuesday at Friends
Friends Meeting House, Brighton

ART DECO AND THE 'MODERNE'
Tuesday 18 February 2.30pm
Admission £2 on door 
Refreshments available after talk in cafe area

S  A  T  U  R  D  A  Y   S T U D Y    D  A  Y  
Portslade Adult Education
Foredown Tower, Portslade
Free parking, buses stop nearby, refreshments, small garden area around tower - 
and fantastic views across the fields
NOVELS AND FILMS OF THE INTER-WAR PERIOD

       
A feast of words and images, looking at the social and cultural history within the pages of novels and films of the 1920s and '30s. Books galore and many film clips.
Sit back and enjoy a fabulous day.
Saturday 22 February 10am-3pm  
Fee £35 Book: 01273  422632
(Booking open December 2013)

S H O R T   C O  U  R S E 
Friends Centre, Brighton Junction
(Near Brighton railway Station)

Regency to Rock 'n' Roll - a later history of Brighton & Hove

This course will consider the later history and expansion of Brighton & Hove, concentrating on social and cultural aspects, fashions, fads, architecture, famous inhabitants, Regency life, piers, leisure, work, cinema, wartime and rock ‘n’ roll Fifties. We discuss the development of the Royal Pavilion from farmhouse to palace, contrasting its exotic interior and huge cost with the poorer quarters of the town; 
early cinema and Hove's pioneer film-makers, and consider other magical qualities that make seasides special, for example piers and the sea. Wartime in Brighton 
had a profound effect on the town and The Fifties brought rock ‘n’ roll, coffee 
bars and youth culture. 
Illustrated with slides, video, maps, prints and books.

6 weeks Tuesday starting 25 February 10am-12pm Fee: £66 (£40)
Book in person or T: 01273 810210 or www.friendscentre.org
                           
            S  A  T  U  R  D  A  Y   S T U D Y    D  A  Y    

CITY COLLEGE, Pelham Street, BRIGHTON

Art Deco and Modernism 

After WWI a new, very distinctive style emerged 1920s and 1930s, directly following Art Nouveau. Vibrant with colour, its modern designs were full of sharp patterns. Architectural buildings of every type from churches to cinemas, houses, bus stations, garages and lidos were developed in this style which was influenced by earlier, Ancient Egyptian, Greek and neo-classical forms.

Art Deco style utilised modern technology and innovations, such as plastic, chrome, aluminium and electricity. The smooth lines and geometric patterns were found in everything from art to fashion, furniture, light fittings, ornaments, glass, ceramics and jewellery. Its iconic elegance furnished homes in a new, exciting fashion.

It liberated women, who wore the new slender, boyish, free-flowing tubular garments, cut their hair into a short bob, wore make-up, smoked and danced the night away in nightclubs. All shocking!

Cinema and film included elegant sets and flowing dresses and the style reached its height of fashion in the Hollywood musical and wonderful Busby Berkeley dance routines. We look at influences, architecture, style, fashion, interiors, paintings and 1930s film clips.

fabulous feast of colour, illustrated with a huge amount of images.

Saturday 8 March 
11am-4pm (lunch break 1-2pm) 
Ref: COM142 Fee: £35 Book- T: 01273 667767 or download booking form from websitehttp://www.ccb.ac.uk/public/courses/adult/
PLEASE NOTE NEW TIME - LONGER for same fee


HEALTHWALKS - FREE guided tour 
HISTORIC PIER TO PIER WALK
Friday 25 April Meet 11am in front of black iron gates of Palace Pier
Detailed historic walk of Chain, Palace and West Piers, Aquarium, Lower and Upper Town, Fishmarket (history of early Brighton), King's Road, and some buildings (hotels etc.) along the way. By ex-West Pier tour guide
Lasts approx 2hrs Cafes along route. Pre-booking and
lots of further free walks: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/healthwalks

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Summer 2014
Illusion and Reality - late Victorian Britain 1865-1895
Life for wealthy and poor during the long Victorian period was one of complete contrasts, especially during the latter part of the century. We look at life in countryside and town, discussing the differences between living conditions on the working farm to that of town dwelling and its various amenities and amusements. In this context we discuss the family, courtship, love and marriage as well as childhood and upbringing and home life. The illusion that Victorians were all strait-laced, uptight, humourless, easily shockable people is quite the opposite!

We compare domestic, social and cultural life, including how paintings and literature of the period depicted society; for example, in Robert Tressel's narrative of the poverty stricken house painters and paper-hangers in The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists (set in fictional Hastings), Thomas Hardy's depiction of the strong-minded Tess of the D'Urbervilles and Anthony Trollope's fascinating portrayal of middle-class greed and corruption in The Way We Live Now.

The home was paramount and the family was its focus. A place to escape from the stress of long working hours in factory and office. New technologies and ideas of hygiene changed how houses were run, decorated and furnished. 'Below stairs' is even more fascinating than 'above'. Houses were run with military precision and an army of servants, or perhaps just one cook-housekeeper for the lower middle-class. Leisure time was enjoyed by all classes in many different ways.

Illustrated with slides, books, extracts from period diaries and journals, prints, paintings and video clips. 
City College, Brighton 5 weeks Monday 1.30-3.30pm start 28 April 2014
Ref: COM186 Fee: £55 Book- T: 01273 667767 or download booking form from website: http://www.ccb.ac.uk/public/courses/adult/

Whiteway Centre, Rottingdean 5 weeks Wednesday 10.30am-12.30pm start 30 April 2014
Fee £38 Download booking form: http://www.rwc.org.uk/index.html

G U I D E D   H O U S E   T O U R S 
PRESTON MANOR
 (End of Preston Park, Brighton) Free parking, buses stop nearby, Preston Park railway station nearby
"HIDDEN HOUSE"- behind the scenes tour 
Friday 9 May 11am-12.45pm & 2-3.45pm
C Sarah Tobias 2011
Unique guided tour. Discover hidden rooms and secret places not normally open to the public.
If you have ever visited a historic property and longed to go through that door marked ‘private’, now you can at Preston Manor! Sarah Tobias has devised a fascinating 'backstage' tour taking you into rooms, vaulted cellars and up concealed servants’ staircases, to attics where female servants slept and into corridors not on the public route. 
Admission: £15 Members £12 includes tea & biscuits.
Early booking advised as the tours fill up quickly (12 Max per tour) 
Guides Sarah Tobias and Paula Wrightson (Preston Manor Creative Programme Manager)
  Book: 03000 290902
N.B. There are lots of stairs, some low door frames -and it is VERY COLD in some parts of the house. 
http://www.brighton-hove-rpml.org.uk/whatson/pages/behindthescenesatprestonmanor.aspx


Summer Field Trips 2014
Living with the Victorians - field trips: June 18, 25, July 2 (9)
Tutor/guide Sarah Tobias

Four guided visits to houses, museums and collections which illustrate late Victorian social, domestic and working life. We study customs, architecture, interiors, furnishings, art, fashion, domestic equipment and machinery and generally view life in the home. Visits may include Leighton and Linley Sambourne Houses in Kensington with informed house guides if there are a sufficient number of enrolments for group booking.

All trips accessible by public transport. 
Meet Brighton Station approximately 10am, finish varies.
 Fee £38 (does not include travel, admission to venues, house guides or refreshments)
            Download booking form: http://www.rwc.org.uk/index.html



Sussex University 2014- International Summer School- for students 17-24 years from non-UK countries
The London Look - Fashion & Style 1800-2014  - Session 1: 4 weeks June-July
Art Deco & Modernism - Design in the early 20th century - Session 2: 4 weeks July-August
Tutors Alexandra Loske & Sarah Tobias
(2013 fees £1395 for 15 credit module £2590 for both sessions plus housing £140 per week)



"DIDO'S LAMENT":  RITUALS OF DEATH AND MOURNING
Short, hauntingly beautiful black and white film noir, on the superstitions and rituals associated with death and mourning
filmed in Brighton and Shoreham

DeadGood films
 Directed by Valentina Lari
Written and produced by 
Sarah Tobias & Valentina Lari
Music specially composed by glynne Cicada
               More screenings soon 

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Sarah Tobias Dip Eur Hum, BA Hons, MA
 Lecturer in social, cultural and local (Brighton) history

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Venue Addresses, transport and refreshments
City College
Pelham Street, Brighton BN1 4FA
Location:
Behind York Place & London Road, turn up Cheapside – Aldi supermarket on corner. Or, turn left in Trafalgar St walking down from Station.
Transport & Parking:
Lots of buses nearby.
Nearby car park, about 5 minutes walk.
Railway station few minutes walk
Refreshments and further information:
Restaurant. Tea and coffee bar on balcony of Main Building.
Coffee shops, small cafés and public houses in nearby London Road 
London Road and Trafalgar Street: shopping, banks and supermarkets

Foredown Tower
Foredown Road, Brighton (Portslade) BN41 4EW
Transport & Parking:
No. 6 bus stops nearby-200 yds walk
Free car parking outside,
Refreshments and further information:
Refreshments available. 
Garden all round Tower and fantastic views across countryside

Friends Centre
Brighton Junction, Isetta Square,35 New England Street, Brighton BN1 4GQ
Transport & Parking:
Brighton railway station nearby, buses stop in station, at end of Stroudley Road/Fleet Street and many buses in nearby London Road.
Car park behind London Road in Whitecross Street, another off New England Street.
No parking but area for disabled parking on front of main door- contact Centre first toarrange this.
Refreshments and further information:

Small cafe area

Preston Manor
Preston Drove, Brighton BN1 6SD
Location:
Situated at end of Preston Park.
Transport & Parking:
Buses and rail nearby
Free parking outside and in adjacent street.
Refreshments:
No cafe. Refreshments provided by staff at some events where stated.
Chalet restaurant in park and public houses opposite

Rottingdean Whiteway Centre
Whiteway LaneRottingdean, BN2 7HB
Location:
By Library/Grange Museum
Transport & Parking:
Buses stop nearby and on seafront.
Small car park, but always full. Possible space if you get there early
Fairly near street parking
Refreshments:
Kitchen with tea and coffee making facilities (provided)
Historic tea rooms and public houses in High Street.
Further information:
Kiplings walled garden and village green and pond nearby.
Few minutes walk to sea and beach. Shops, small supermarket and bank in High Street.

Whitehawk Inn Community Centre
Whitehawk Road Brighton, BN2 3NS
Transport & Parking:
Buses stop nearby and some outside venue
Metered street car parking
Refreshments:
Café and garden area
Further information:
Few minutes walk to sea, beach and Marina or East Brighton Park

LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Sarah Tobias Dip Eur Hum, BA Hons, MA
Entertaining social/cultural/local historian.
Ask for details of talks/guided walks/visits for groups, clubs, societies.
Current list of 30+ topics



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