Members of The Arts Society Henley should get ready for an extraordinary year of discovery with the TASH TALK Programme for 2026 - a lecture series that brings history, art, and culture to life!
Kick off the year in January with "Banned: Savitsky and the Secret Hoard of Avant Garde Art," an incredible tale of one man's daring quest to save banned Russian art from Stalin's regime. Then, in February, delve into the scandalous and brilliant world of a master with "Picasso and His Women," exploring how his loves and losses shaped his iconic work.
In March, discover the beautiful connection between art and sound in "Edouard Manet and Music," a lecture celebrating the constant presence of music in the artist's life and paintings.
April offers a can't-miss double feature on two titans of British art. In the morning, "As If by Magic: The Secrets of Turner’s Watercolour Techniques" unlocks the mysteries behind the legendary artist's breathtaking work. In the afternoon, a friendly rivalry takes center stage in "Turner vs Constable - The Great British Paint Off," a head-to-head analysis of these two creative geniuses.
The series continues with a journey to ancient Rome in May, with "The Port of Ostia – Rome’s Best Kept Secret," a lecture on the stunningly preserved ruins of a bustling port city. In June, explore the meteoric rise and dramatic fall of a literary icon in "Wilde About Oscar: Famous for Being Famous and Infamous."
The autumn brings more captivating talks. In September, learn about a visionary artist whose work was undervalued in his time in "Charles Rennie Mackintosh: More Than Just a Tea Room!"
In October, discover the fascinating story behind a musical masterpiece with "Exploring Handel’s Messiah," followed by a trip to the British Museum in November to uncover the secrets of ancient Egypt.
Finally, get into the holiday spirit in December with "Snakes, Saints & Pawnbrokers: The Truth About Christmas," a surprising look at the origins of our favourite traditions.
LOOKING FORWARD: TASH LECTURES in 2026
Published on: February 27, 2026
Published By Society: Henley-on-Thames
