J.M.W. Turner, The Fighting Temeraire tugged to her last berth to be broken up, 1838 (1839)

National Gallery, London

Image from: https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/joseph-mallord-william-turner-the-fighting-temeraire

The transformations which took place in Britain from the middle of the 18th century to the middle of the 19th have, for better or worse, changed the world. Starting with early industry pioneers such as Arkwright and Wedgwood, we will follow the stories of the inventors and innovators whose impact can still be felt today.

Industrialization has left us all with a difficult legacy, but the process was no less controversial in its own time. Themes to be explored include popular protest, trade unionism, and anti-industrial reactions such as the Arts and Crafts movement. The course will culminate in the mid-Victorian period, looking first at the Great Exhibition of 1851 and subsequently at the Victorians' understanding of their place in the world and, indeed, in history.

St Nicholas’ Church Hall, Wigginton (York)

10 weeks, Wednesday 22 September – Wednesday 1 December (incl., with half-term break on 27 October)

Please note that this is a WEA course, and can only be booked directly with the WEA. For further details and booking, please follow this link.