Sarah Pearson - The Grand Tour: Eighteenth Century

The Grand Tour: Eighteenth Century

The Grand Tour was an eighteenth century phenomenon in which young men completed their education by absorbing the art and culture of mainland Europe. The countries of western Europe offered a wealth of art, architecture and new experience to the intrepid traveller – but what to see? This lecture examines the visual culture of Europe in the eighteenth century higlighting the typical itinerary but also illuminating the more exotic possibilities available to travellers. From Canaletto to Venetian casinos and the Vatican to a German volcano, this lecture brings the Grand Tour to life, incorporating the accounts of travellers themselves and detailing the many possibilities available to the enlightened eighteenth century tourist. 

Lecturer: Dr Sarah Pearson 

Dr Sarah Pearson is an Architectural Historian with specialist interest in the architecture of the European Renaissance and in the use of art and architecture to promote specific ideological or sociological principles. Sarah is a Teaching Associate at the  University of Cambridge in the Institute of Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) , and she also delivers invited lectures in the UK and Europe.

Sarah’s PhD was from the University of Reading and the subject of her doctoral thesis was the architect Francesco di Giorgio Martini on whom she has published articles and contributed to the book, Reconstructing Francesco di Giorgio Architect (Peter Lang, 2011).  

Sarah retains active research interests in Italian art and architecture with particular interest in the globalization of the Baroque style and the development of the Italian Rationalist style in early twentieth century. 

Date: Tuesday 18th May 2027
Time: 2.30pm - Please arrive a little earlier to be seated.
Venue: Firstsite, Lewis Gardens, High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1JH.