Van Eyck and his Portraits with Clare Ford-Wille

Van Eyck and his Portraits

A Study Morning with Clare Ford-Wille

Tuesday 17th November 2026

10.30am - 1pm

The day includes two one-hour lectures with tea/coffee and cake in the interval.  This is a great opportunity to learn more about these wonderful 7th century treasures from an expert and in the company of a friendly group of people. 

The fee is £25 for members of the Arts Society Salisbury. Non members and members of other Arts Societies are very welcome at £30. If a non member joins The Arts Society Salisbury on the day they will receive a £5 refund.

Van Eyck - The Portraits is an exhibition being held at the National Gallery in London from 21st November 2026 until the 11th April 2027. This study morning will introduce Van Eyck and act as an introduction to his life, his paintings and to this exhibition. The exhibition brings together all his surviving portraits in one place for the first time which is remarkable as 15th century paintings on panels are very fragile and not easily transported.  Portraiture as we know it begins with Van Eyck. His vision and skill launched painting into a new era of unrivalled realism. This study morning will explain the groundbreaking beginnings of portraiture by Flemish painters led by Jan Van Eyck. We will hear about his life and his career as a painter and diplomat. 

This detailed study morning may encourage you to attend the exhibition at the National Gallery

You may recall that Clare gave us a lecture in February this year entitled "Botanical Marvels: The Origins and Development of Botanical Art". 

Clare's Biography

Honours degree in History of Art, Birkbeck College, University of London. Regular commitments include Centre for Lifelong Learning, London University, National Gallery, V&A Museum, WEA, Morley College, the City Literary Institute, the Art Fund and National Trust. Study tours abroad.