Popular Monmouthshire art history lecturer Eleanor Bird is presenting an illustrated talk at the Drill Hall Chepstow on Tuesday, June 9 at 7.30pm exploring the exceptional and influential art of the early 15th century created by Jan van Eyck.

Van Eyck was known throughout the courts of Europe and led the way among Flemish painters of the Northern Renaissance. He famously recorded himself as the painter of the Arnolfini Portrait by inscribing on the wall : ‘Johannes de Eyck fuit hic’ – van Eyck was here – and his art brings an extraordinary sense of being in the room with his portrait sitters and religious subjects. As a pioneer in the use of oil paints hie was able to achieve astonishing effects - enjoy the exquisite detail and dazzling colour of van Eyck’s realism in this one-off illustrated talk

This is a one-off talk and Eleanor will be setting Van Eyck's work not just in artistic context but social and historical, so a chance to appreciate the importance of 15th century Flanders- what we now know as Belgium - and in particular beautiful Bruges where Van Eyck lived.

The subject of the talk was chosen in anticipation of the “once in a lifetime” exhibition of "Van Eyck:The Portraits" at the National Gallery London this autumn, when for the first time in history, and for once only, all of Van Eyck's portraits will be brought together in a spectacular show.

Van Eyck and the painters of the Northern Renaissance are also a particular personal passion of excellent art history lecturer Eleanor Bird - so not to be missed, and she will be repeating it live online on Wednesday 10 June 10.30am for those who can't get to Chepstow, and if that day and time don't work - there's the opportunity to see the recording online.

Tickets will also be available at the door for the Drill Hall talk from 6.45pm on the day of the lecture.

The Drill Hall Chepstow is a community and arts venue run by Chepstow Town Council and a dedicated group of volunteers. The Drill Hall has rapidly become a major focus in Chepstow’s artistic and community life due to its varied programme of events and ability to be hired for public and private events.

The venue currently have a programme that includes cinema, professional live theatre, concerts, local amateur dramatic performances, poetry readings by nationally known poets, book talks by famous authors, day schools on subjects of historical and environmental interest, art and crafts, craft exhibitions, produce shows, dances and the regular monthly meetings of The Chepstow Society and Chepstow U3A.

The Drill Hall is also available for hire for the whole community for a wide range of activities ranging from club and society meetings, community and social events, private parties, theatre, concert and cinema performances, lectures, conferences, sales, exhibitions and day schools and some commercial uses.

View all upcoming events on the Drill Hall website