Christmas Art Talk: Eric Ravilious and the Artists of the Chalk Downs

This lively lecture further explores the brilliant new exhibition at the Holburne Museum, Bath, which opens on 3 Oct 2026 Join curator, James Russell as he presents an illustrated talk which celebrates Ravilious and the other featured artists on display in the new exhibition, Ancient Landscapes, Modern Times: Eric Ravilious and the Artists of the Chalk Downs at The Holburne Museum. While Ravilious is the main focus, the lecture tells the story of a wider group of artists – including John and Paul Nash, William Nicholson and Tirzah Garwood – who explored the chalk hills between 1910 and 1950. This was a fascinating, revolutionary period of history involving two world wars and the emergence of modern Britain with its cars and concrete. At the same time the nation was gripped by a passion for the ancient past. As archaeologists revealed the secrets of Avebury and Maiden Castle, artists found inspiration in the same chalk landscape, creating works that are by turns beautiful and strange. The watercolours of Ravilious in particular are sensational, as many people now appreciate. The lecture looks closely at his most iconic works.