This study day explores the Gallery in wartime, from providing War Office space in the First World War to Kenneth Clark’s transformation of the Gallery into a cultural hub and sanctuary during the Blitz.

The day will not only trace the history of the Gallery over the first half of the 20th century, but it will also allow participants to experience a short reprise of the concerts organised by pianist Myra Hess. From these morale-boosting recitals to the public hunger for ‘Picture of the Month’, this study day will address the practical contributions made by the Gallery during wartime as well as the way in which culture can provide meaning in times of need.

Programme

10.30am
Welcome

10.40am
Alan Crookham: The National Gallery and World War I

11.05am
Anne Robbins

11.30am
Refreshments

11.50am
Barbara Pezzini: Art and the Great War: Patriotism, Militarism and Silent Dissent

12.15pm
Plenary: Morning speakers Q+A

12.45pm
Lunch (not provided)

2pm
Music: A selection of settings of A.E. Housman's 'A Shropshire Lad', as performed by Keith Falkner and Howard Ferguson in a concert of 5 June 1940. Followed by Myra Hess's arrangement of 'Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring' for solo piano

2.45pm
Katy Hamilton: ‘That’s not Bach… That’s Myra Hess’ – Wartime Music-Making at the Gallery

3.10pm
Suzanne Bosman: ‘A defiant outpost of culture right in the middle of a bombed and shattered metropolis’ – The National Gallery and World War II

3.35pm
Plenary: All speakers Q+A