Art in Oxford: Masters and Masterpieces tour
Anyday | 3 Hours | Private booking only
Embark on an inspiring journey through Oxford’s rich artistic heritage, tailored for enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. Discover the enduring influence of John Ruskin, whose revolutionary writings on art and architecture championed Romanticism and the Pre-Raphaelites; shaping public taste in Britain and beyond. Follow the creative journey of William Morris, whose passion for craftsmanship and design led him to spearhead the Arts and Crafts Movement, all under the profound influence of Ruskin’s ideals. Explore the contributions of Oxford don Walter Pater, whose reflections on the Renaissance and embrace of “art for art’s sake” redefined aesthetic appreciation. Finally, encounter the brilliance of Oscar Wilde, whose Oxford years were marked by encounters with both Ruskin’s practical philosophy and Pater’s ideals, culminating in a unique fusion of thought and style.
The tour will take in some of the most beautiful and unique artworks and architecture in Oxford, including paintings by the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and Morris’s collaborations with Edward Burne-Jones. It will visit Oxford colleges and buildings from the 13th to 19th centuries, en route to finishing at Christ Church. Your guide will personalise the tour to suit your knowledge and interests; offering an engaging introduction for art enthusiasts, and deeper discussions for those with existing knowledge. The tour starting time is flexible, but a 12:30pm start is ideal to ensure access to the colleges we wish to visit.
Please note: Colleges are subject to closure and access cannot be guaranteed for specific days - especially on holidays.