Interest Groups

The Amblers enjoy a walk on a dry winter’s day on Dartmoor taking in the views in and around Pew Tor.  Pictures courtesy of Imogen Monk.                  

The term ‘icon’ comes from the Greek ‘eikon’, meaning ‘image’. These objects of veneration come with a rich history, with the earliest surviving examples dating to the 6th or 7th century. Arts Society expert, Helen McIldowie-Jenkins, unpicks the tale of the origins and making of this particularly singular art form here

There’s nothing new about sham news – or outrageous hoaxes. In the 18th century, satirical prints helped spread such stories, duping thousands. Arts Society expert, Ian Keable, looks at some colourful examples here

The Oxford Botanic Garden celebrates its 400th anniversary, the first major exhibition exploring the advent of plant sciences and its incredible visual history has opened at the Bodleian Libraries, complete with rare books, incredible prints, paintings and specimens. Courtesy of The Arts Society, here how the show’s curator, Professor Stephen A Harris, tells the stories […]

Enigmatic and brilliant, the artist Frida Kahlo presented physically as a living artwork, while describing herself as ‘the great concealer’. Arts Society expert, Fiona Rose, reveals five things you should know about the real Kahlo here

Favoured by pharaohs and current fashionistas, the fan has doubled as a cooling tool and miniature artwork for centuries. Jacob Moss, curator of The Fan Museum, shares a few of his favourites, courtesy of the Arts Society here