School of Art History Online Lecture Series: Athletics & Aesthetics -- Sport in Art History Painted Links: An exploration of the history of golf in Scotland told through the collections of The R&A World Golf
This new School of Art History Online Lecture Series is an exploration of the history of golf in Scotland told through the collections of The R&A World Golf Museum and The Royal & Ancient Golf Club. Explore the dynamic intersection of art and sport in this six-week series, where art history meets athleticism. From golf to rugby, cycling to the Olympics, discover how artists have captured the energy, grace and cultural impact of sport across centuries.
Each week features an expert-led lecture followed by a live audience Q&A, offering a unique opportunity to dive deeper into the stories behind the artworks. Brought to you by the University's School of Art History in collaboration with The R&A World Golf Museum, this thought-provoking series offers fresh perspectives for art lovers, sports fans and curious minds alike.
Painted links: an exploration of the history of golf in Scotland told through the collections of The R&A World Golf Museum delves into the rich visual history of golf through the art collections of the Club and Museum. Featuring a curated selection of works, this lecture will showcase portraits of prominent figures alongside landscapes of St Andrews and beyond, and give an overview of the development of the sport from its earliest beginning to the present day. Discover how artists have captured the evolving spirit, traditions and personality of golf across centuries, offering a unique view into the sport's cultural and historical legacy.
Hannah Fleming, Learning and Access Curator at The R&A World Golf Museum, will present the collection. Hannah has worked in golf heritage for 20 years, having graduated in 2005 with a Joint Honours Degree in Art History and Classical Studies and later a PGDip in Museum and Galleries Studies from the University of St Andrews.
The other events in the series are:
- State propaganda through art and sport in fascist Italy
- From Ancient Greece to modern spectacle: the visual culture of the Olympic Games
- Cycling in Modern and Contemporary Art
- Oval balls and cubist players
- Women in sport in art
Each week in the series there will be a lecture from 2pm to 3pm, followed by a half hour question and answer session. The series costs £120 with a special rate for R&A members, R&A staff, and University of St Andrews staff and students of £90. Please book your tickets online through the University Shop.
Image credit: St Andrews (Railway poster), Reginald Higgins, circa 1925. Reproduced by kind permission of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.