Friday Lates: 500 years of art (but funny)
Verity Babbs in conversation with Jon Sleigh
Free
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About
Comedian and art historian Verity Babbs’ first book 'The History of Art in One Sentence: 500 Years of Art (But Funny)', published by Bloomsbury, is a journey through 50 key art movements across history, answering 10 questions for each in just one sentence at a time. Spanning 500 years – from the Renaissance to the Young British Artists – this illustrated book provides funny and fascinating facts about key artists and artworks, making accessible an often-daunting subject.
Verity is joined in conversation with freelance arts educator Jon Sleigh, who equally shares a passion for connecting new audiences to artworks and collections, surrounded by paintings that both have used in their own practice.
Speakers
Verity Babbs is an art historian, presenter, and comedian from the UK. She hosts live art-themed comedy nights 'Art Laughs' which perform regularly at London's National Gallery, and she has appeared on BBC Radio 4 and BBC News. She has written for several arts publications including the Guardian, RA Magazine, Hyperallergic, and Artnet News, and has worked as a presenter for Tate, London Art Fair, and Elizabeth Xi Bauer gallery. As a student, Verity took part in Articulation, the National Gallery’s public speaking initiative for young people, designed to promote the appreciation and discussion of visual culture.
Jon Sleigh is a freelance arts and heritage learning curator, working nationally connecting audiences with artworks and collections for their advocacy. He was formerly Learning Officer for the Arts Council Collection based at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. His first book 'What are Museums For?' was a Choice Outstanding Academic Titles 2024 winner.