London Art Studies

We can think of few more agreeable ways to be introduced to art history than over a fiery discussion or lecture at the exquisite Bulgari Hotel in Knightsbridge. Thanks to London Art Studies, over the course of the autumn term art-lovers can sign up to an engaging programme of talks and debates on subjects that take the mystery out of the art world.

What's it all about?

Kate Gordon founded London Art Studies when she realised that the city is full of people who simply want to learn more about art, but are pressed for time. 'Our lectures are short and fun, and our lecturers are chosen particularly because of their accessible presenting styles', she says. 'Lecturers come from Sotheby’s, Christie’s, the National Gallery, Tate Britain, Tate Modern and the Saatchi Gallery, and are all specialists in their chosen fields'.

Kate formed London Art Studies in 2012 after working with Sotheby’s Institute of Art and as a television arts producer with CNN. 'So many people mentioned to me how much more they would have enjoyed the National Gallery's Leonardo da Vinci exhibition with just a little more knowledge. This was, quite simply, the start of our business. 'There’s so much to see and do in London right now – and people are hungry to learn.'

We've rounded up our favourites from the calendar of wonderful insider guides, lectures and debates just for you.

LAS Evening

Brand new to the autumn 2015 calendar are a rousing series of evening debates which pit stellar artists against each other. Experts Ben Street and Lizzie Perrotte will put some of the most thrilling artists head to head by presenting a few of their key works and past critical discussion.

We are particularly intrigued by the battle between British sculptor Anish Kapoor and notorious Turner Prize winner Martin Creed, who won the top contemporary art award in 2001 for his single light switching on and off. This autumn we can also get excited about Damien Hirst's new gallery in south London and Ai Weiwei's hotly anticipated blockbuster at the Royal Academy with a face-off on 16th September. Click here to find our more about this debate.

On 4th November it's the turn of Gerhard Richter and kitsch art megastar Jeff Koons to challenge each other, followed by Pop Art King Andy Warhol vs. the drips and spots of Jackson Pollock on 1st December. The question is - who's your money on?

Evening 7pm - 8pm, £50 per class

The Bulgari Hotel: 171, Knightsbridge, SW7 1DW

LAS In Focus

For a more in depth look at some of the most talked-about exhibitions in London, try the In Focus series of talks. We recommend Ben Street's Insider's Guide to Frieze on 6th October as a brilliant starting point for contemporary art lovers. Budding collectors will also enjoy the talks on 4th November and 2nd December on the art of collecting today. Click here to find our more about this talk.

In Focus 10-12 noon, £75 per class

Bulgari Hotel: 171 Knightsbridge, London, SW7 1DW