James McNeill Whistler
Lecture by Dr Richard Stemp
Tate Britain and St James the Less Church
Coffee · Lecture · Lunch · Exhibition
27th May 2026
American artist James McNeill Whistler rewrote the rules of what it meant to be an artist. A pioneer of techniques considered radical in his time, he produced serene and strikingly beautiful visions of modern life that helped secure his position as one of the most influential artists of the 19th century. As an early and significant figure in the development of Japonisme, Whistler drew inspiration from global sources and cultivated an artistic voice so distinctive that he famously defended his creative independence against John Ruskin in court in 1878.
This exhibition, the first major European survey of Whistler’s work in three decades, brings together his most celebrated pieces alongside paintings that have rarely been shown, from early works made during his years in St Petersburg to the haunting portraits of his later career.
The lecture by Dr Richard Stemp will prepare you for the exhibition so that you can make the most of your time in the gallery and gain the greatest insight into the works. Please join us for lunch afterwards at Osteria dell’Angolo.
Order of Events
10.30 Coffee at St James the Less Church, Pimlico
11.00 Lecture for Artemisia Members at St James the Less Church, Pimlico
12.30 Lunch at Osteria dell’Angolo
14.00 Exhibition at the Tate Britain
COSTS
Coffee Complimentary
Lecture £29.00 (booking fee included)
add Lunch (2 courses, wine and coffee) £52.00 (booking fee included)
Please note you must purchase your own tickets to the exhibition from the Tate website. This allows you to choose the time you want to enter and to use any discounts or memberships you may have.
*Tickets on sale in 2026
If you would like further information please email me on [email protected] or call 01379 871800.
