CITYLIT ART HISTORY COURSES

Academic Year September 2025 - July 2026

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CityLit Adult Education Institute in  London

1-10 Keeley Street

London WC2B 4BA

One of the oldest adult education institutions based in Central London, the CityLit has a venerable history of offering comprehensive, affordable and democratic education to all comers, regardless of age or background.

The course fees are subsidised with government funding, and additional concessions are available to those eligible.

Autumn Term,  September - December 2025


Starting the new academic year with two iconic courses, in-person at the CityLit Institute, museum visits, and also online courses for those further afield or unable to travel to Central London.

Click on the highlighted texts or images to be taken to the CityLit Website where you can find out more and register

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Islamic Art in the Medieval World,

12-session course in class at CityLit, Wednesdays 24th September - 10th December 2025, 13.30 – 15.30. Full fee: £309.00, Seniors: £247.00, Concessions: £201.00



Autum Term begins with our first core-subject course, Islamic Art in the Medieval World, a term-long course that takes us from the rise of Islam in the 7th century CE. to the Mongol Strikes in the 13th century CE. giving you a comprehensive overview of how Islamic Art emerged and developed in its first seven centuries.

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Art in Ancient and Medieval Sahara,  

5-session course in class at CityLit, Tuesdays 14th October – 11th November 2025, 13.30 – 15.30.  Full fee: £149.00, Seniors £119.00, Concessions: £97.00


Putting Africa on the map, Art in Ancient and Medieval Sahara is a short course starting in October, which covers ancient Saharan trade routes, the rise of Islamic kingdoms in the Sahara and the Sahel, the medieval Gold Empires, and the unique art, architecture, and technologies of ancient African cultures.

We cover the Epic of Sundiata and the founding of the Mali Empire, and the travels of Ibn Battuta to the region.

More Autumn Term Study Sessions

Learn about Art History in the Wider World, the fun and affordable way.  We have a great ethos at our Art History faculty at CityLit, with world class, inclusive education for all in a warm and friendly environment.


Two additional single-session events for CityLit Autumn Term to appeal to those who cannot commit to a full course


Click the image-buttons to find out more at the CityLit website.


COMING UP: SPRING AND SUMMER TERMS 2026

SPRING TERM


Arts of the Empire Builders: Timurids, Safavids, and Mughals, 12 sessions in class at CityLit, Wednesdays 14th January – 1st April 2026, 13.30 – 15.30. Full fee: £309.00, Seniors: £247.00, Concessions: £201.00


Islamic Art at the British Museum, One session at the British Museum, 8th February 2026, Sunday 11.00 – 13.30. Full Fee: £29, Seniors £23.00, Concessions £19.00


Arts of the Golden Age of the Ottoman Empire, 5 sessions online on Zoom, Thursdays 26th February – 26th March 2026, 14.00 – 16.00. Full fee: £149.00, Seniors £119.00, Concessions: £97.00


Study Day: The Arts of the Book in the Islamic World, full day with 2 sessions in class at CityLit, Sunday 29th March 2026, 10.30 – 16.30. Full fee £69.00, Seniors £55, Concessions £45


SUMMER TERM


Islamic Art in 25 Objects, 5 sessions at various London venues, Wednesdays 22nd April – 20th May, 13.30 – 15.30. Full fee: £179.00, Seniors £143.00, Concessions: £116.00


Ways into Islamic Art, 5 Sessions online on Zoom, Tuesdays 2nd June – 30th June, 14.00 – 16.00. Full fee: £149.00, Seniors £119.00, Concessions: £97.00


Art Exchanges: Between Europe and the East, 5 sessions in class at CityLit, Wednesdays 3rd June – 1st July 2026, 13.30 – 15.30. £149.00, Seniors £119.00, Concessions: £97.00


  ANITA CHOWDRY IS AN EXPERIENCED ART HISTORY LECTURER,

OFFERING PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS AND COURSES IN SPECIALIST SUBJECTS.

ALSO AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE HIRE, PLEASE CONTACT ME.


    What past students have commented:


"Anita has huge knowledge and experience which she shared with us with enthusiasm and humour".


"Once again really interesting and informative presentations and a wealth of excellent supporting material made this a very enjoyable course".


"It was outstanding - excellent tutor - so interesting, knowledgeable, engaging".


"The tutor and course were both outstanding".


"The resources were beautiful to look at and  very informative too".