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Past Imperfect is a visual culture seminar within the UCL History of Art Department. Our membership is drawn from staff and postgraduate students, and is open to those working across all geographies and time periods. Through sharing research, discussions, events, and organised visits, we hope to think together about the past and its place in the present.
Each academic year we explore a particular theme, such as 'Obsolescence', 'Disorientation' or 'Confinement'. This year (2024-25) the Past Imperfect seminar will be exploring Slowness, both as a theme of art historical enquiry and as a method for doing art history (thinking, reading, and writing) together.
Regular meetings of the seminar group will usually take place on selected Monday lunchtimes during all three terms. Additional lectures and events are open to all. If you are interested in becoming a member of the seminar, please add your name to this form.
Upcoming Seminars and Events 2024/25
Term 1
| Date/Time | Event Title | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 30 September, 5:30-7 pm | Welcome Social | IAS Forum |
| Monday 7 October, 1-2 pm | Thinking with Slowness | 744, Institute of Education, 20 Bedford Way |
| Monday 11 November, 1-2pm | Slowness & the Climate Crisis | 744, Institute of Education, 20 Bedford Way |
| Monday 25 November, 6-8pm | A Conversation with Elina Gertsman and Bob Mills | 102 Seminar Room 3, 20 Gordon Square |
| Monday 2 December, 1-2:30 pm | Visit to the British Museum | Meet in front of 20 Gordon Square |
Term 2
| Date/Time | Event Title | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 13 Jan, 1-2 pm | Seminar Group Discussion | 744, Institute of Education, 20 Bedford Way |
| Wednesday 5 February, 1-3pm | Tour of "The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence" with Dr Vivek Gupta | V&A If you would like to join, please email vivek-gupta@ucl.ac.uk |
Monday 24 Feb, 1-2 pm | Seminar Group Discussion | 790, Institute of Education, 20 Bedford Way |
February or early March, Thursday evening (date TBD) | Visit to UCL East | UCL East |
| March (date TBD) | Seminar Group Discussion | 790, Institute of Education, 20 Bedford Way |
| Thursdy 6 March, 5:30-7:30pm | Past Imperfect: Seth Anziska in conversation with Stephanie Schwartz ''Writing History in a Time of War: Israel’s 1982 Invasion of Lebanon and its Afterlives'' | 1.02, Malet Place Engineering Building |
| Monday 24 March, 6-9pm | Book launch, Richard Taws: "Time Machines: Telegraphic Images in Nineteenth-Century France | Lankester LT, Medawar Building Reception: 101-102, 20 Gordon Square |
| Thursday 1 May, 5-9pm | Screening of La Chimera (2023) | UCL East Cinema Main Atrium - 1 Pool Street (reception) |
| Week of 5 May, TBD | End of Year Social | UCL East |
| Monday 19 May, 1-2 pm | Final Meeting of the Membership | 102 Seminar Room 3, 20 Gordon Square |
If you’re not currently a member of staff or student in the UCL History of Art department and would like to be added to our events mailing list, please email Queenie Lee.