The Master’s Book Club

Join us to hear from Churchill College Fellow and alumnus Prof. Sir Christopher Frayling, writer, broadcaster and former Rector of the Royal College of Art, in conversation with the Master of Churchill College, Prof. Sharon Peacock, as they discuss his latest book The Hollywood History of Art.

Ever since the dawn of the sound era, Hollywood has told the story of the artist, from Charles Laughton as Rembrandt, to Salma Hayek as Frida Kahlo. Dismissed by art historians as unreliable, even fanciful, these films reveal something else entirely: how art and artists have entered the cultural bloodstream of modern society.

In The Hollywood History of Art, Christopher Frayling traces this fascinating story in full for the first time, drawing on years of archive research and interviews with those who made these films. He asks what Hollywood's screenwriters assumed audiences already knew about art history, how they chose which artists to feature and which stars to cast, and what impact these larger-than-life portrayals have had on the real art world's exhibitions, auctions and collections.

Entry is free but this is a ticketed event and booking is essential.

This event takes place in the Wolfson Hall and will be followed by a drinks reception at 7pm. All are welcome to attend.

Prof. Sir Christopher Frayling is an award-winning broadcaster and writer and Fellow and alumnus of Churchill College. He was Rector of the Royal College of Art (RCA) from 1996 to 2009 and a Professor of Cultural History at RCA for over 30 years. He was chairman of the Arts Council England, and is the longest serving trustee of the Victoria and Albert Museum. He was knighted in 2001 for services to art and design education.

The Master's Book Club: Hosted at Churchill College, Cambridge by Prof. Sharon Peacock, this In Conversation series explores recent books published by members and Fellows of the College. Wide‑ranging discussions shed new light on the ideas shaping our past, present and future, and how they connect to the world we live in today.