Institute of Continuing Education (ICE)
Submitted by K. Weddepohl on Mon, 17/07/2023 - 10:08
When the Hamletts took their one-year-old daughter Lydia along to see the Davies Sisters’ collection at the National Museum of Wales, they were astonished to see the immediate impact that the Impressionist masterpieces had on her. “I looked really excited apparently” Lydia said with a chuckle, “of course I’m not sure how true that is, but it is possible.” But, for as long as she can remember, she’s always been imbued with a singular passion for the study of Art in all its forms. She attended primary and secondary schools near Cardiff, where she studied A-level English Literature, History, French and AS Classical Civilisation, all of which she believes helped her to study History of Art. “It’s a very interdisciplinary subject. It helps if you have lots of different types of analysis skills in order to unpick images and artworks, which is why I chose those A-levels.” Lydia went straight from school to study at The University of Cambridge and is still here as Academic Director of History of Art & Visual Culture. “It’s a lovely place to work and live,” she says.
Lydia doesn’t think there’s such a thing: ‘We get a real mix of people on the History of Art courses, from 18 to 80, with very different experiences, from contrasting backgrounds and professions. From those seeking to switch their field or to enhance their knowledge, to people already in the art world who want to learn new skills.’
The way people apply their previous experiences to Art History is very interesting. Someone who comes from a finance background, for instance, may think in terms of a spreadsheet as a way of getting knowledge and information down. Indeed, a very vigorous approach to capturing data can be important to an Art Historian. “Of course, not everything you learn about History of Art can be put in a spreadsheet!” she laughs, “...but I love it that people bring different skills and experiences to Art History.”
“We offer everything from the entry-level undergraduate Certificate for people who have never done History of Art before to a part time Master’s. You can progress through the pathway from level 4-7, from someone who knows nothing about History of Art to being a researcher, which is highly satisfying for the tutors.” Lydia takes a moment to think. “And it’s the combination of teaching and research. The tutors are all amazing... (I would say that wouldn’t I?)” she says wryly, “...they’ve all got their active research interests, are well networked and are all keen to instil their passion to the students. They empower learners to become researchers in their own right, which is what Cambridge is known for.”
The three undergraduate-level courses are now completely online, but tutors interact with their students every week in a live seminar. “We have group chats both orally and in chat boxes, but students tend to continue those relationships away from the tutors as well, with WhatsApp groups and on the ICE virtual learning environment. They meet up and sometimes come here to see us tutors in Cambridge and we’ll go and do a visit somewhere. It’s a really good community.”
“There are so many moments where I think ‘Oh, this is why I do it’ but one thing my students say never fails to inspire me. It’s when, after they’ve been learning for a while, they say they get the most joy out of looking at things differently. You can’t really hope for a student to say more than that. That’s what teaching is all about, encouraging them to look and think and critically analyse things differently. That’s the key skill of History of Art: visual analysis, how to unpick, understand and interpret the things around us.”
Lydia is a recent recipient of the Pilkington Prize, awarded by The University of Cambridge for the highest quality teaching and course design. To quote the University: “Dr Lydia Hamlett has had a significant impact on the History of Art & Visual Culture course portfolio, demonstrating a learnercentred inclusive approach and leading the delivery of excellent outcomes for adult students studying on a part time basis”
“I was really pleased to be recognised for this prestigious award,” she says.
To find out more about ICE’s undergraduate Certificate and Diploma in History of Art, open for applications until 4th September, click here
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