FUN AS WELL AS FACTUAL. KEEP CHECKING THIS SITE FOR REGULAR UPDATES.
Check venues, fees, dates before booking - accurate as possible, but may change, be postponed or cancelled.
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SADLY, FACE-TO-FACE COURSES ARE CANCELLED
FOR THE REST OF AUTUMN BUT BACK FOR SPRING
2025.
MET courses taught at Pelham Street Brighton BN14FA and The Church of the Holy Cross Parish Hall, Woodingdean, BN2 6BD
If you encounter problems enrolling, contact me, SARAH.TOBIAS@gbmc.ac.uk
Enrolment: 01273 667704 Admissions:.admissions@gbmc.ac.uk
No homework. Classes are relaxed, friendly & fun as well as informative.
All other courses and events here on this blog.
N.B. History courses may contain outdated attitudes, cultural depictions and language which cause offence today. They have to be viewed from an historic perspective. When discussing the content these views are not those of the tutor. If you feel you may be uncomfortable about this, please do not enrol.
> IF YOU HAVE COVID, 'FLU, COUGH, COLD, FEEL UNWELL - PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND <
To be eligible for a 50% discount on courses (not single Saturday workshops), you must meet the below criteria :
- Unemployed and in receipt of a means tested benefit
- Employed and earning below £22,038 annual gross salary
SPRING 2025 term starts 20 January
Pelham Street Campus
Early Twentieth Century Britain and WWI Home Front (1900-1918)
An interesting period of social, domestic and working life before “the black pit of war”, when wealthy Edwardians led lives of extreme prosperity, while the poor struggled in great poverty and hardship. All was to change forever when men went to war and women went to work in WWI. We see what life was like on the home- front.
We study the Edwardian era “Indian Summer” of peace and prosperity before the horrors of war, when Britons viewed themselves at the beginning of a new century, full of potential and promise, changes and reforms. But…. as years progressed, Edwardians knew there was to be war and started preparing.
We observe domestic, working and social life on the home-front during WWI; the impact it had during this period and its life-changing effects post-war.
When men went to war women went to work. We focus on women and the home-front. They took on what had been seen as hard and heavy work, in factories, on farms, driving buses, and more. Their stories are fascinating with women displaying their ingenuity and inventiveness. Nurses writing home from overseas or who were stationed in Britain give us a touching insight into the lives of men and women during this period.
Illustrated with powerpoint slideshows, documentary film, texts, images and books
10 weeks Mondays 1.30-3.30pm Start 20 January
Ref: MACL028D1A Fee: £152
Enrol: https://www.brightonmet.ac.uk/courses/history-early-twentieth-century-britain-and-wwi-home-front-1900-1918-spring-term/
Arts, Culture and Society in Regency and Early Victorian England
(1800-1850)
We study the late GEORGIAN/REGENCY era and its social, domestic, cultural and working life, as well as the arts, medical matters, distinctive architecture – and many coffee houses! The latter served as public and social places where the Stock Exchange, Lloyds of London and auction houses were spawned.
Brighton is much associated with this period: the extravagances of the Prince Regent (the “Regency”) and his remarkable palace at a time when the fashionable visited the seaside town to take the waters and be entertained.
In EARLY VICTORIAN BRITAIN we see the continuing effects of the Industrial revolution and how it impacted on life in factories and mills. We study each strata of society, from the affluent upper classes, to the new, aspirational middle-class and the miserable lowly poor, and consider all aspects of social, domestic and working life.
Highly illustrated with PowerPoint slideshows.
10 weeks Tuesdays 10.30am-12.30pm Start 21 January
Enrol: https://www.rwc.org.uk/a_grand_tour_of_regency_indulgence_1790-1837
4 PLACES REMAINING
A History of Fashion and Society: Elegant Georgians to Rebellious Punks (1700s-2000s)
If you love fashion, you’ll love this! If you love social and cultural history, you’ll also love this! We study how social history has inspired fashion, just as clothes have influenced social and cultural history. We unravel historic inspiration that has formed and forms innovative, trendsetting or wacky fashion, designers and style.
N.B. History courses may contain outdated attitudes, cultural depictions and language which cause offence today. They have to be viewed from an historic perspective. When discussing the content these views are not those of the tutor.
We view how the social and cultural background of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries influenced British fashion then and now. We focus on aspects of trendsetting style 1700s-2000s, such as the voluminous and extravagant court dresses and exuberant hairstyles of the Georgian period and the dapper Regency dandy; Victorian crinoline, bustle and aestheticism; Edwardian Art Nouveau, elegant Art Deco, innovative wartime recycling, swinging sixties, and subculture of mods, rockers, goths, skinheads and punks. We see how the wheel of fashion and style turns again and again.
We will analyse key style developments and designers such as Mary Quant and the “Swinging Sixties”. A really exciting and fascinating course that will make you think differently about style, clothing, its influences and origins, and what you and others wear. You will discover how fashion informs, and what our clothes say about us.
Illustrated with masses of colourful slides and fashion illustrations.
10 weeks Tuesdays 3-5pm Start 21 January
Ref: MACL164D Fee: £152
Enrol: https://www.brightonmet.ac.uk/courses/history-a-history-of-fashion-and-society-elegant-georgians-to-rebellious-punks-1700s-2000s/
Taught at Church of the Holy Cross Parish Hall, Woodingdean Mid and Late Victorian England (1860-1895)
We discuss social investigation and reforms, including Charles Booth's “Life and Labour of the People in London” and his famous poverty maps. Social conscience among the burgeoning middle classes led to social investigation and action. There were many women social investigators, such as Brighton born Clementina Black (1853-1922), feminist, author and social reformer who was involved with the 1888 Match Girl’s Strike at the Bryant and May factory – conditions we also study.
Illustrated with PowerPoint slideshows.
9 weeks Wednesdays 1-3pm Start 22 January
Ref: MACL058D1A Fee £68 Enrol:https://www.brightonmet.ac.uk/courses/history-life-work-leisure-in-late-victorian-england-1865-1895-spring-term/
The Novel as Social History: Comparing Cultures and Women Alone – Freedom of Women Post WWI
We study the social and cultural history of the novel by exploring background information we are absorbing unwittingly, and which is not the main theme, but which gives us an extensive and detailed knowledge of everyday life.
Within each piece of fiction is a wealth of information on culture and social life which leads us into deeper understanding of a subject, time, place, period in history, genre, working conditions, habits, style or social trend that we might pursue further, deepen our knowledge and intensify our interest.
There are two books to read each fortnight over 10 weeks in a specific order and make notes. You then participate in lively group discussion in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. This term’s novels include: “Latchkey Ladies“ (1921) by Marjorie Grant,“Business as Usual” (1933) by Jane Oliver and Ann Stafford, “The Girls of Slender Means” (1945) by Muriel Spark“, “The Millstone” (1965) By Margaret Drabble – REQUEST FULL READING LIST WELL IN ADVANCE OF THE COURSE FROM TUTOR: SARAH.TOBIAS@gbmc.ac.uk
5 Fortnightly Saturdays, 25/01, 08/02, 01/03, 15/03/ & 29/03 10am-1.30pm
Ref: MACL011D1A Fee £73
Enrol: https://www.brightonmet.ac.uk/courses/history-the-novel-as-social-history-women-alone-freedom-of-women-post-wwi/
The ‘Beautiful & Useful’ Arts and Crafts Movement:
How it Changed Interior Style (1860s-1914)
We study the very colourful style of the Arts and Crafts Movement which began in Britain around 1860 and comprised a group of craftsmen, artists, designers and architects who aimed to raise the status of the applied arts (useful, with a utilitarian purpose e.g. weaving or pottery) to that of the fine arts (aesthetically significant – architecture, painting, sculpture and some graphic arts).
The Movement was largely inspired and led by William Morris (1834-96), poet, artist and architect whose firm, Morris, Marshall, & Faulkner, founded 1861, promoted hand-made textiles, books, wallpapers and furniture. The idea was to return to the use of natural materials and recollection of older styles, notably medieval, and to open up and brighten homes. It changed architecture and interior style in an innovative, fascinating and wonderfully artistic manner.
Illustrated with masses of colourful images on powerpoint slideshows
Single Saturday 26 April 11am-3pm
Ref: MCOM193D1A Fee £34
Enrol: https://www.brightonmet.ac.uk/courses/history-the-beautiful-useful-arts-and-crafts-movement-how-it-changed-interior-style-1860s-1914-2/
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🌞 SUMMER 2025 🌞
Taught at The Church of the Holy Cross Parish Hall, Woodingdean Power and Growth in Late Victorian England 1880-1900
For those who are interested in the great changes and progress at the end of the nineteenth century, leading into new ways of thought, progressive ideas and action, energy, optimism and innovation, However, there was also stagnation and pessimism, overcrowding and illness.
The Victorian age was a time of contrasts and contradictions. On the one hand, piety, prudery, stiffness and hypocrisy; on the other, free thinking, high living and immorality. In-between was the ordinary, hard-working, fun-loving Victorian, who wanted to enjoy all that was on offer in this fast-moving world which included the cinema and the motor-car. Lots of books, journals and newspapers enlightened a new readership, especially those who benefited from a higher standard of schooling and being able to read.
We study work, domestic life, architecture, technology, leisure and the arts, literature and painting, and advances in medicine and the legacy of men such as Joseph Lister and his work on anaesthesia which changed surgical treatments, allowing more people to survive after an operation. We see how hospitals functioned and the long working day of the nurse and doctor. People could still go to prison for minor offences and life inside was bleak, especially difficult for women.
Illustrated with powerpoint slideshows,
8 weeks Wednesdays 1-3pm Start 24 April
Ref: MACL067D1A Fee: £68
Enrol: https://www.brightonmet.ac.uk/courses/history-power-and-growth-in-late-victorian-england-1880-1900-summer-term/
The three wonderful ‘A’s! Three new and exciting movements from the middle of the Victorian century to the middle of the Twentieth century.
After industrialised mass-produced goods, the Arts and Crafts movement celebrated a return to individual handcrafted items. This led to the ornate, nature-inspired designs of Art Nouveau which morphed into the geometric style of Art Deco. All influenced people’s lives and living.
We study the impact of arts and culture on 19th and 20th centuries society and the very distinct and colourful look of each of these inspired, innovative and iconic styles, starting with William Morris led Arts and Crafts. It began mid-century in Britain, comprising a group of craftsmen, artists, designers and architects who aimed to raise the status of the applied arts to that of fine art. They hand- made individual pieces that were also useful, and
designed exquisite houses, furniture and furnishings.
Art Nouveau style followed on directly from Victorian Arts & Crafts and was in response to radical changes and technological advances. It was highly decorative, with undulating and flowing forms, waves, asymmetrical lines and famous “whiplash” curve. Its organic structure, designs and motifs were influenced by many forms; as was 1920s & 30s iconic Art Deco, Modernist style, but this was geometric and curving, utilising modern technology and materials such as cement and chrome.
Highly illustrated with masses of colourful power-point sideshows, books and images.
8 weeks Tuesdays 1-3pm Start 29 April
Ref: MACL045D1A Fee £113
Enrol: https://www.brightonmet.ac.uk/courses/history-arts-and-crafts-to-art-deco-arts-culture-of-the-19th-and-20th-centuries-summer-term/
Space, Light & Speed-Art Deco & Modernism (1918-1940)
For those who love the smoothly distinctive style of Art Deco and clean lines of Modernism which dominated all aspects of interwar domestic and cultural life, and was notable for its architectural and design features. Iconic and elegant, it was used to furnish homes in a new and exciting fashion, utilizing modern technology and materials.
The Decorative Movement, Modernism or ‘moderne’, later described as ‘Art Deco’, was based on classical and other influences, including Egyptian - after the opening of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 by Howard Carter and Lord Carnaervon.
The distinctive iconic style of space, light and speed, vibrant with colour, its modern designs full of sharp patterns, was also described as "jazzy”. It utilised modern technology and innovations such as plastic, chrome, aluminium and electricity.
Smooth lines and geometric patterns featured on architecture, advertising, jewellery, furniture, glass, ceramics, lighting, metalware, technology and influenced cinema. The elegant style fabulously showcased high fashion and adornments.
Illustrated with books, paintings and hundreds of colourful powerpoint slideshows.
8 weeks Tuesdays 6.30-8.30pm Start 29 April
Ref: MACL001E1A Fee £113
Enrol: https://www.brightonmet.ac.uk/courses/history-speed-light-speed-art-deco-modernism-1818-1940-summer-term/
“Keep Calm and Carry on! ” Life on the Homefront in WWII
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Bring your ration card and trip back eighty years, when daily life was turned upside-down, but the fighting spirit shone through! We spend our war days on the home-front: find tips to stretch our budgets, and keep up with fashion by “make do and mend”.
Our spirits and camaraderie are high and we dream over our favourite film stars, admire the women factory workers, Home Guard, spivs....lots more!
We study domestic, working and social life on the home-front during World War Two; the impact it had during this period and its life-changing effects post-war.
We focus on life for women at war and at home: their occupations in the armed services, as doctors, nurses, typists, clerks; working in the Land Army, in factories, in the WRVS and other voluntary organisations, as well as being housewives and mothers. At home during war and after, women had to cope with rationing and learning to ‘make do and mend’ while attempting to remain glamorous and keeping up with fashion and cosmetics in innovative ways as they were scarce.
Nurses writing home from overseas or who were stationed in Britain give us a touching insight into the lives of men and women during this period.
When war ended women found it difficult to give up their new independence. Family life changed and so did relationships.
Illustrated with slideshows and documentary film clips.
6 weeks Mondays 1.30-3.30pm Start 12 May
Ref: MACL009D1A Fee: £84
Enrol: https://www.brightonmet.ac.uk/courses/history-keep-calm-and-carry-on-life-on-the-homefront-in-wwii-summer-term/
Summer in the City: Exploring Brighton’s Unique History
3 Classroom sessions and 3 Brighton field trips
If you are interested in the distinctive history of Brighton and how it evolved, and enjoy walking through the city and discovering places you might not know, then you will enjoy this course comprising three classroom sessions and three field trips.
We study the fascinating history of Brighton in three classroom sessions with a brief historical overview and looking at early maps. This will be followed by three field trips, getting to know our unique city, discovering lots of hidden gems and understanding how Brighton evolved from a small Georgian fishing town to the vibrant seaside resort of today.
Your tutor will guide you to further places of interest so that you can stroll around and familiarise yourself during summer, discovering additional hidden gems.
Be prepared to walk on each field trip for almost two hours; to wear suitable clothing for all weather and to bring water if it is hot.
Classroom sessions are illustrated with many fascinating and historic images, maps and powerpoint slides.
6 weeks Saturdays 11am-1pm Start 10 May
Ref: MACL008D1A Fee: £73
Enrol: https://www.brightonmet.ac.uk/courses/history-summer-in-the-city-exploring-brightons-unique-history-summer-term/
The Novel as Social History: Books for Summer Reading.
This is a unique one-day study session comprising literature and social and cultural history. Within the pages of the novel we discover more than a story - enthralling ‘other’ information about people, relationships, class and place. A different, unusual, exciting way of reading and learning in a friendly, relaxed group.
We discuss books for summer reading from a selection of three novels with lots of background social and cultural history to be read before class, plus further recommendations.
Whilst reading, make notes on the social and cultural history you are finding which is not the main theme. You then participate in lively group discussion in the relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Novels to be read: Greengates by R.C. Sheriiff (1936), The Last of Summer by Kate O’Brien (1943), The Village by Marghanita Laski, (1953).
Single Saturday 21 June 11am-3pm
Ref: MCOM202D1A £34
Enrol: https://www.brightonmet.ac.uk/courses/history-the-novel-as-social-history-books-for-summer-reading-summer-term-2/
LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!
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Sarah Tobias MA, BA Hons, Dip Eur Hum
(Former associate tutor at Sussex University)
Entertaining lecturer in social, cultural and local (Brighton, Sussex, UK) history.
Contact me for talks/guided walks/visits for groups, clubs, societies.
Current list of 30+ topics
Also contact me for poetry readings and narrations.
More information about me, my subjects, research and contact:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-tobias-0318943a?trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile
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Courses -Venue Addresses, transport and refreshments
Brighton Metropolitan College MET (formerly 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:
College canteen. Tea and coffee bar on balcony of Main Building. Vending machine.
Coffee shops, small cafés and public houses in nearby London Road
London Road and Trafalgar Street: many shops, some banks and supermarkets
Holy Cross Church Hall, Woodingdean
Warren Road, Brighton, BN2 6ND
Transport & Parking:
Car park outside Library and Community Centre over the road, opposite church hall. Bus nos 2, 22, 22A stop nearby.
Refreshments:
Tea-making facilities in hall. Small cafes nearby. Downs Hotel almost next door serves tea, coffee and refreshments at bar and has outside area.
Further information:
Woodingdean public library over the road. Shops, Co-op, dry cleaners nearby
Rottingdean Whiteway Centre
Whiteway Lane, Rottingdean, Brighton, BN2 7HB
Transport & Parking:
Very small car park outside, some nearby parking in side streets, car parks on main sea road (few mins walk). Bus nos 2, 22, 22A stop nearby, Bus nos 12, 12A, 12X, 27C, 47 stop by the White Horse Hotel on the seafront - short walk.
Refreshments:
Tea-making facilities in hall. Small cafes nearby and in Museum tea garden next door during summer.
Further information:
Rottingdean public library and museum next door (opening times vary). Shops and Co-op in the High Street. Post office. Several historic public houses, village pond, windmill (not generally open), Grade II listed 1300s St Margaret's Church, accessible downland and a few minutes from the sea and beach.
The West Pier Centre
103-105 King's Road Arches, Brighton, BN1 2FN
103-105 King's Road Arches, Brighton, BN1 2FN
Transport & Parking:
Nearby car parks - Regency Square. Buses stop in Western Road and walk down.
Refreshments:
Wine or cool drink provided
Situated on the lower prom and seafront. Various shops and lots of cafes and restaurants. Hotels on upper level over the road. Western Road and popular streets of Brighton with many shops and cafes are 10-20 minutes walk
Data Protection: No personal data collected or stored.
