The Colourful Past: Exploring Art in the Ancient World

When we picture the ancient world, we often think of white marble statues and bare stone. In reality, the past was vibrant and colourful.

This illustrated talk explores how art shaped everyday life in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome.

From brightly painted temples and statues to intricate mosaics and decorative objects, we will uncover how ancient artists used colour, materials, and imagery to express power, belief, identity, and beauty. The talk will journey across the ancient Mediterranean and Africa, examining surviving evidence alongside reconstructions that help us reimagine how these artworks once looked.

Accessible and engaging, this talk is ideal for anyone curious about art, history, or the ancient world — no prior knowledge required. Expect to leave seeing ancient art in a completely new (and much more colourful) light.