What's On

This course is designed to take your knowledge and understanding of the Italian language and culture to a level where you feel comfortable discussing lifestyles, personal preferences, well-being, and current issues such as the environment. Linguistically, you will learn how to understand real material such as articles and extracts about Italian culture and history. Classes […]

Enjoy developing and channeling your writing abilities. All forms are covered, including novels, plays, poems, short stories, and memoirs. Classes will cover many aspects of writing, such as getting started, shaping short stories, creating characters, guidelines on getting published. With an emphasis on individual development, there will be reading and discussion of your work in […]

Nineteenth century Italian art is almost unknown in Britain today. Make an introductory voyage of discovery in this richly illustrated course. Together we will discover Venetian sculptor Antonio Canova (a major figure in Neo-Classicism of the Macchiaoli), Abbatti and Fatton (pioneers of sunlit Realism before the Impressionists). The century ends with the potent Symbolist art […]

The course communicative aims are to learn how to talk about daily routines and hobbies, work, accommodation, and the area where one lives, express likes and dislikes. You will look and read simple information about a few famous Italian cities and localities. The linguistic aim is to cover very basic and essential grammatical structures to […]

This foundation course is for people with no or little knowledge of the Italian language and culture and will enable the participants to feel comfortable when exchanging basic personal information in informal conversations. You will also learn how to ask for directions, order food and drinks, book tickets and accommodation. Basic reading and writing will […]

This course aims to teach students to communicate in everyday situations and exchange information on familiar and routine matters. This course will enable you to 'get by' when using the language abroad. The emphasis will be on listening, speaking, and understanding. Suitable for students who have completed Beginners Spanish Terms 1, 2 and 3, or […]

Join tutor Songül for this three-week course and learn how to use the medium of soft pastels. Songül will guide you step by step, helping you to master blending techniques and experience the versatility of the medium, through the depiction of various subjects. Some drawing experience needed. A list of required materials and equipment will […]

What does courage mean to you? Is it something we are born with, or is it something we can nurture? Courage was one of the four cardinal virtues for the ancient Stoics, and its cultivation was an essential part of the Stoic path. In this day course we will contemplate, through group discussion and guided […]

In this three-week course you will practise depicting landscape elements, such as sunsets, skies and flora. Tutor Songül will demonstrate and give you one-to-one guidance when needed. Some watercolour experience needed. A list of required materials and equipment will be provided. Don’t forget, Members can enjoy 10% off stationery and art supplies in Biddles of […]

In November 1922, the BBC began with a news report, read twice – once fast, once slow – making the BBC’s second ever broadcast a repeat. Before that, a few plucky pioneers brought us wireless concerts, via feuds, fires and breakdowns on- and off-air. After the BBC’s launch, the innovations continued. One woman penned the […]

How can we ensure that artificial intelligence and technology advance ethically and responsibly in a rapidly evolving world? In this lecture we will delve into Martin Heidegger's philosophy of technology, examining how it shapes our understanding of being. Then we'll spend some time in John Searle's ‘Chinese Room’ (thought experiment), challenging notions of artificial intelligence […]

Do you want to practise your French by engaging in conversation with others? Join native speaker Julie, to practise and exchange with others on a wide range of topics. In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, you will strengthen and expand your knowledge of the French language. This course is aimed at those who are confident […]

There are a number of moral issues which are of great concern in contemporary society. This course is an introduction to some of these issues: experiments on animals; abortion; euthanasia; immigration; multiculturalism; freedom of speech and religion; capital punishment; and war. In each case, we will arrive at an understanding of the issue and then […]

Join fellow GI members in the Institute’s historic Library for a complimentary hot drink and cake. Local author Trish Broomfield (and member of the Booming Lovelies poetry trio) will join us to talk about her recent publication ‘My Acrostic Mother’. Trish will discuss the start of her writing journey, becoming a published author and how […]

Learn to make colourful crochet flowers and leaves, with the option to learn how to design your own, with guidance from tutor Hilary.  Your creations can adorn clothes, hats and bags, or make bouquets, garlands, wreaths or jewellery. Suitable for those with basic crochet skills and above. Please bring 4mm and 3.5mm crochet hooks, and […]

THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT The Guildford Institute is pleased to welcome Tristan Seume, acclaimed as one of the UK’s leading acoustic guitarists. He has toured all over Europe both as a soloist and a sought-after accompanist. His solo recordings, You Just Know, Middle Child and Handpicked From the Eighties, mix handcrafted originals with […]