An Introduction to the Social History of Art, Part 3: Radicals to Suffragettes

Focusing on the development of radical history by examining the visual culture of the time (second half of the 18^th to early 20^th century), we will begin by considering satirical portrayals of Thomas Paine that were fuelled by anti-Jacobin critics.

We will explore political images set in coins/tokens produced by radical bookseller Thomas Spence, who disseminated his ideas using this accessible and tangible form.

Additionally, we will investigate early pro and anti-parliamentary reform prints by satirists such as James Gillray, Thomas Rowlandson, Issac and George Cruikshank.

Selected images and material culture related to the Peterloo massacre, Merthyr rising and the Rebecca riots will be studied, especially regarding the representation of class and gender.

This also extends to cartoons about Chartism, often containing negative depictions of women chartists.

We explore the visual imagery and symbolism of trade union certificates and banners that often include classical personifications and meaning.

The last few weeks of the module will focus on case studies of artists such as Walter Crane and his series of Cartoons for the Cause and the numerous artists of the Artist Suffrage League (including Mary Lowndes, Emily Ford, Bertha Newcombe and Duncan Grant).

The module will conclude by exploring the work of artist and suffragette, Silvia Pankhurst and her prolific contribution to the visual culture of the movement.

This module builds on subjects studied in An Introduction to the Social History of Art Parts 1 and 2, but no prior knowledge is assumed.

Learning and teaching

The module will be delivered through ten 2-hour sessions.

These sessions will consist of a 1-hour lecture followed by class discussion and group work on specific topics relating to the module.

The discussion and group work will enable students to think critically and contribute to the debates and topics presented during the lectures.

The discussion-led sessions and the lectures will be supplemented by resources available to students via Learning Central.

Syllabus:

1. Module overview
2. Thomas Paine - images and words
3. Quiz and Thomas Spence - subversive tokens
4. Representing anti and pro parliamentary reform
5. Rural and urban unrest – Peterloo, Merthyr and Rebecca riots
6. Chartism – depicting women chartists
7. Trade union certificates and banners
8. Walter Crane: Cartoons for the Cause
9. Artist Suffrage League vs anti-suffrage cartoons
10. Siliva Pankhurst, activist and artist

Coursework and assessment

Formative assessment / feedback will occur on a weekly basis through class discussion and group work.

Assignment 1 (Essay): 100% - Exact nature of the task will vary from year to year. 1200-1500 words. End of the module.

Reading suggestions

Books:

• Cindy McCreery, The Satirical Gaze: Prints of Women in Late Eighteenth-Century England (Oxford and New York, 2004).
• Marcia R. Pointon, History of Art: A Student’s Handbook, 5^th edn (London, 2014).
• Lisa Tickner, The Spectacle of Women: Imagery of the Suffrage Campaign, 1907-14 (London, 2014).

Online resources:

• National Archives: Power, politics and protest. politics-protest/
• People’s History Museum
• Working Class Movement Library

Library and computing facilities

As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.

Accessibility

Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.