Check venues, fees, dates before booking - accurate as possible, but may change, be postponed or cancelled.
🍂 AUTUMN 2021 🍂
COVID PRECAUTIONS: COURSES WILL BE TAUGHT IN THE CLASSROOM AT ROTTINGDEAN WHITEWAY CENTRE. WEARING OF FACE COVERINGS IS REQUIRED IN PUBLIC AREAS (NOT CLASSROOM, UNLESS PREFERRED). CLASSROOMS ARE SANITIZED AND WINDOWS/DOORS KEPT OPEN.
ROTTINGDEAN WHITEWAY CENTRE, Whiteway Lane, Rottingdean (Brighton) BN2 7HB Nearby car parks, buses stop on seafront outside the White Horse Inn and no. 2 in the High Street
The Golden Age of the Edwardians (1900-1914)
We study the short 'Golden Age' before the 'black pit of war' (J.B. Priestley's description) that was to change the idyll of elegant living for the wealthy socialising on a grand scale, but was also a tarnished age for the poor living in slums. We compare domestic, social and cultural life, including how paintings and literature depicted society.
10 weeks Tuesday 1-3pm Start 21 September Fee £84
1 place remaining
https://rwc.ultimatedb.net/the_golden_age_of_the_edwardians__1900-1914
The Arts & Crafts Movement, firmly rooted in the Gothic Revival, was energised by a rejection of the uninspired and repetitive design inventory of mid-Victorian Britain.
Illustrated with powerpoint slideshows, film and documentary.
10 weeks Wednesday start 29 September 1-3pm
Ref CL0418 -1C Fee A £20 B £10 (Benefits) FULL (waiting list)
Enrol - T: 01273 667704 or in person at Brighton Metropolitan College, Pelham Street, Brighton.
PELHAM STREET CAMPUS, BRIGHTON
Unique course comprising literature, social and cultural history, book club – and lively discussion! Within the pages of the novel we discover more than a story - enthralling ‘other’ information about people, relationships, class and place.
VarndeanCollege at
>>> ONLINE: (Zoom) <<<
for Sussex School of Archaeology and History:
The Victorian World: Life, Death, Work and Leisure in
Nineteenth Century England
We study the worlds of wealthy, middle and working class - from large country estates and town houses to humble cottages and London rookeries of the residuum; their social and cultural life, living and working conditions. We see the strict hierarchy which existed “below stairs” and domestic life of servants and their duties in large houses. Course themes include the poor and their lack of amenities, deficient nutrition and medical attention and effect of their appalling lives. One session will be on the fascinating rituals of death and mourning (not morbid).
5 weeks, Wednesday evenings 7pm Start 03 November Course code: VIC Fee £45
Please note new start date and shorter course. Second part of course will run from January 2022
Enrol: www.sussexarchaeology.org/about-3-
SINGLE SATURDAY AT PELHAM STREET CAMPUS, BRIGHTON:
A reaction to mass production, the Arts and Crafts Movement was a group of craftsmen, artists, designers and architects who aimed to raise the status of the applied arts (useful) to that of the fine arts (aesthetically significant). <<< ONLINE: (Zoom) >>>
for Sussex School of Archaeology and History:
Evening Talk
The Egyptian Influence on Art Deco
This illustrated talk considers the Egyptian influence on the iconic, distinctive style known as "Art Deco" (really Modernism). The craze for all things Egyptian resulted from the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922 by Howard Carter and Lord Carnaervon, which led to "Egyptomania". The effect was seen on and in everything: architecture (especially cinema buildings), fashion, jewellery, furniture, accessories, ornaments, electrical items and advertising.
Friday 26 November 7-8pm
(45m + 15m Q&A) Ref: ART Fee £4.50
https://www.sussexarchaeology.org/projects-2
SINGLE SATURDAY AT PELHAM STREET CAMPUS, BRIGHTON:Christmas! Myths, Legends Customs and Traditions of the festive season
We study early origins, winter solstice and pagan rituals of Roman times, as well as the symbolism of evergreens and cereals, such as holly, ivy, mistletoe, rosemary, wheat, fir and bay, and significance of fire and flame. We also discover who Saint Nicholas was and the origins of Father Christmas and Santa Claus, and find out how traditions came about, such as why sixpence is put into the pudding, the reason candles are lit, why children put up a stocking, and why plum pudding is eaten at Christmas. We follow the entertainments and customs of Tudor and Elizabethan Christmases when festivities were on a grand scale. Georgian Christmases were much quieter and more sedate, although there were also balls and parties (Jane Austen loved them). We see how the Victorians and Charles Dickens 'invented' the commercial Christmas; look at it in all its glory and discuss its confections, cards, crackers, decorations and games. Finally, a look at Twentieth Century Christmas celebrations and how the festive season was spent from the early century through to the Fifties.Illustrated with slides, books, video. A feast of festive fun to brighten your day with a friendly group.
Illustrated with powerpoint slideshows, books and documentary.
2022
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.
Spring courses at fabulous, historic Preston Manor -
This historic house, at the end of Preston Park, decorated in Edwardian style and with rooms on four floors, is a delightfully unique and hugely atmospheric setting for studying. The tutor is also a house guide and lecturer.
https://www.gbmc.ac.uk/history-the-edwardians-a-golden-age-1900-1914-brighton-metleisure
A History of Fashion and Society 1700-2000
This course is for lovers of fashion and British social and cultural history. It examines how social history has inspired fashion, just as clothes have influenced social and cultural history.
We examine how the social and cultural background of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries influenced British fashion then and now; focussing on aspects of trendsetting fashion such as the voluminous and extravagant court dresses of the eighteenth century and the dandy; Victorian crinoline, bustle and aestheticism; Edwardian art nouveau, elegant art deco era, wartime recycling, swinging sixties, and subculture of mods, rockers, goths, skinheads and punks.
You will learn how to read fashion and how informs us us and what your clothes say about you. We will examine 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 and what you and others wear.
Illustrated with masses of fashion illustrations and powerpoint slideshows.
8 weeks start Tuesday 1.30-3.30pm Start 25 January
Ref CL0276-1C Fee £105
https://www.gbmc.ac.uk/a-history-of-fashion-and-society-1700-2000-brighton-metleisure
You will be welcomed to the house with tea, coffee or hot chocolate. Then, study the highly absorbing subject of how houses were run by hard-working servants and learn of their various duties –below and above stairs, Theirs was a long day: up early and to bed late. We compare their daily life with the wealthy living upstairs and examine the rather different lifestyles. The tutor is also a house guide who will lead a tour of the manor seeing how rooms were used here and elsewhere. You will visit parts of the house not normally open to the public. A fascinating subject studied in a fascinating historic house, especially if you enjoy TV programmes such as “Upstairs, Downstairs” and “Downton Abbey”.
Illustrated with powerpoint slides, film and house tour. Bring a packed lunch to eat in the servant’s room. Tea and coffee will be provided.
https://www.gbmc.ac.uk/a-day-in-the-life-of-an-edwardian-house-metleisure
For those who are interested in women’s studies and what life was like for them at work and in the home during the second world war, and post-war (late1940s & 50s); when lives and conditions had changed considerably
We study life for women at war and on the homefront: their occupations in the armed services, as pilots, 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 keeping up with fashion and cosmetics.
When war ended women found it difficult to give up their new independence. Family life changed and so did relationships. We investigate social and cultural changes that followed the upheavals of World War 2, including architecture, housing, living and working conditions, relationships, fashion, books, cinema and public health - such as the forming of the NHS in 1948. We also focus on changes for women and the adjustments to their domestic, social and family life following the war.
10 weeks Wednesday start 19 January 1-3pm
Ref CL0618 -1C Fee A £20 B £10 (Benefits)
https://www.gbmc.ac.uk/history-women-wwii-home-front-and-post-war-britain-brighton-met
Varndean College at
A Grand Tour of Regency Indulgence
We study social, domestic, cultural and working life for all classes in an age of elegant living, the arts and literature. The Industrial Revolution inspired exciting new ideas, innovators, inventors, original thinkers and advances in science and technology. The period was also a time of great poverty, disease, illness and vice.
6 weeks Monday 10.00 - 12.00 - February start tba
SINGLE SATURDAY AT PELHAM STREET CAMPUS, BRIGHTON:
TAUGHT AT PELHAM STREET CAMPUS, BRIGHTON:
ROTTINGDEAN WHITEWAY CENTRE,
Whiteway Lane, Rottingdean (Brighton) BN2 7HB
Buses stop on seafront outside White Horse Inn, and no. 2 in the High Street
Topic to be decided. Requests considered.
6 weeks Tuesday 1-3pm Start 26 April
MET course at WHITEHAWK INNThe History of Brighton – a unique resort
Ref CL0671 -1C Fee A £20 B £10 (Benefits)
https://www.gbmc.ac.uk/history-a-unique-resort-brighton-met-leisure
https://www.gbmc.ac.uk/history-exploring-brightons-history-metleisure
Varndean College at The Church of the Holy Cross, Downsway, Woodingdean (Brighton) BN2 6BD 
An introduction into the world of the remarkable and influential Victorian period which spanned 64 years and saw many changes and advances, opening up spheres of communication, travel and consumerism, especially after the Great Exhibition of 1851.
6 weeks Monday 10.00 - 12.00 - May start date to be announced
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TOTHER EVENTS
followed by cocktails or tea at Metropole Hotel
Illustrated with powerpoint slideshow. Please read short novel before the session.
Fee £28 (plus booking fee) (Does not include refreshments at the Metropole for which you pay separately. Cocktails from £9, cup of tea £2.90, full afternoon tea £24 - two can share - Hotel suggests two afternoon teas shared by three - with additional cups of tea) Book via EventBrite:
Tutor and guide is ex-West Pier tour guide
13 Brunswick Square, Hove, BN3 1EH
A really exciting and unique event:
You will be welcomed with hot chocolate (or coffee) and plum cake in the kitchen followed by discussion on servant duties and then on to the basement of no. 10 Brunswick Square which is a time capsule, having been left undisturbed for many years, where you will enjoy a guided tour. Regency inspired lunch back at the Town House will be followed by an illustrated talk in the small servant hall on daily life for the wealthy who lived in the main part of the house - which we will then tour. Discussion, questions and answer session with afternoon tea and cake ends our pleasant day.
103-105 King's Road Arches, Brighton, BN1 2FN
