Modern Art in Bath

Bath’s status in the eighteenth century led it to become a major centre for artistic production, notably with the work of Thomases Gainsborough and Lawrence.

The city’s fascination with the Georgians has often obscured the important place it has had, on occasion, in the story of modern British art. This talk will illuminate a few of the episodes in this under-appreciated story.

Dr Chris Stephens, Director of Holburne Museum

Dr Chris Stephens has been director of the Holburne since 2017 since which time he has set out to secure the museum’s sustainability, accessibility and relevance. Previously, he was Head of Displays and Senior Curator of Modern British Art at Tate Britain. He is a specialist in mid-twentieth century British art with particular focuses on the art of St Ives, sculpture and the art of the 1960s. His numerous successful exhibitions include Barbara Hepworth: Centenary (2003) and Peter Lanyon (2010) at Tate St Ives and British Art & the 60s (2004), Francis Bacon (2008), Henry Moore (2010), Picasso and British Art (2012), Barbara Hepworth: Sculpture for a Modern World (2015) and David Hockney (2017).