Talks Series

Evening Discussions and Masterclasses

Join us at Sotheby’s Institute of Art-London for a dynamic program of events with leading figures from the worlds of art and luxury.

These sessions offer a window into the Institute’s vibrant community and its role in shaping tomorrow’s cultural landscape. Gain fresh perspectives on art, luxury, and the ideas driving global conversations.

Wednesday Talks

On select Wednesday evenings, enjoy a free talk followed by a drinks reception, giving guests the chance to continue the conversation and connect. Each talk is free to attend, advance registration is required to secure your spot.

Organised by the MA in Historic Art and Design

October 28 | Fashion Stories in the Museum: Reflections on Three Decades

In this talk Chris Breward will reflect on his experiences as a fashion historian, curator, and museum director. Breward has worked for over three decades at institutions including London College of Fashion, The Royal College of Art, the V&A, the University of Edinburgh, and National Museums Scotland, tracing the shifting role fashion has played in museum research, acquisitions, gallery developments, and exhibition programs in the UK and internationally.

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Masterclasses

Explore the Institute’s academic approach with masterclasses. These faculty-led taster lectures provide a glimpse into the ideas, methods, and perspectives that define our curriculum.

Masterclasses will be announced in due course.

Look Back at Past Events

Browse a selection of past events and discussions spanning various dimensions of art and luxury.

Artist Talk: Caragh Thuring in conversation with Jennifer Higgie

Explore

Masterclass, The Metamorphosis of Luxury and the Lives of Luxury Brands, Dr Celine Stiris, Lecturer MA in Luxury Business

Masterclass, The Art of Play , Dr Mike Cooter, MA in Contemporary Art

Joyfulness, Creativity and the Future of the Luxury Industry, Sean Baker, Paul Smith Foundation, in conversation with Dr Federica Carlotto, Program Director, MA in Luxury Business

Masterclass, The Market for Contemporary Art: Exploring the Relationship Between Value and Price, Dr Melanie Fasche, Deputy Director, MA in Art Business

Masterclass, Women Art Collectors from Isabella d’Este to Peggy Guggenheim, Dr Barbara Lasic, Senior Lecturer, and Lis Bogdan, Subject Leader, History of Design, MA in Decorative Art and Design

Masterclass, The Underwater Heritage of the Riace Bronzes: Ethics and the Art Market in Ancient Rome, Dr David Bellingham, Program Director, MA in Art Business

Artist Talk: Rene Matić in conversation with Mark Sealy

Book Launch, Performance in the Museum, Dr Pierre Saurisse in conversation with Catherine Wood, Director of Program, Tate Modern

Art History Festival, ‘Playful Fantasies: Visions of Nature in 18th-Century French Art’, Dr Barbara Lasic, Senior Lecturer, MA in Fine and Decorative Art and Design and Alexander Collins, Curator of Decorative Arts, The Wallace Collection

Artist talk: Sonia Boyce in conversation with Gilane Tawadros