Arts Society Explores War in Paint and Photography
Dr Emma Watts to give this month’s talk on the visual legacy of conflict
‘Preparing to Advance’ (courtesy of the lecturer)
May 26, 2026
The Arts Society SW London will turn its attention to the powerful visual legacy of conflict for its next meeting, as art historian Dr Emma Watts delivers an evening lecture titled The Art of War in Paint and Photography.
The talk takes place on Monday 8 June, from 8pm to 9pm, at The Community Church on Werter Road in Putney, with doors opening at 7.30pm.
The lecture examines the evolution of the official War Artists Scheme, first established during the First World War to document the realities of conflict for educational and historical purposes. Dr Watts will explore how artists and photographers have approached the subject of war across different eras, and how their contrasting mediums shape our understanding of truth, memory and witness. The session will consider whether paint and photography offer different kinds of authenticity, and how each medium has been used to convey the human experience of conflict.
Dr Watts brings a wealth of expertise to the subject. An art historian specialising in late nineteenth and early twentieth-century British art and visual culture, her career began in the fine art auction world before expanding into academia in the UK, Australia and Hong Kong. She has developed national and tertiary arts curricula, served on advisory boards for heritage and museum organisations, and worked extensively in curatorial practice and collection management. She now divides her time between lecturing for the Open University, writing, and consultancy in fine art valuation and probate.
Non-members are welcome, with entry priced at £10 in person or £5 online.
The Arts Society SW London is part of the wider national Arts Society network, a charitable organisation dedicated to enriching lives through the arts. The SW London branch has built a reputation for welcoming, high-quality cultural events that bring together people with a shared interest in art, history, music and design.
If you have never attended an Arts Society lecture before you are urged to join and find out about your local Arts Society.
Visit the society’s website for further details.
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