Dr Marie-Anne Mancio on American Art Since Independence
Talk hosted by The Arts Society South West London
Nighthawks by Edward Hopper (1942) – The Arts Institute of Chicago
February 18, 2026
The Arts Society South West London will host its next evening lecture on Monday 9 March, offering a timely exploration of American art to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The talk, titled The History of American Art in 25 Iconic Pieces, will take place at The Community Church on Werter Road, SW15, from 8pm to 9pm, with doors opening at 7.30pm. Non-members are welcome, with entry priced at £10 on the door or £5 online.
The lecture will be delivered by Dr Marie-Anne Mancio, a long-established Arts Society speaker known for her lively, accessible approach to art history. Dr Mancio originally trained as an artist before completing a DPhil at the University of Sussex, where she specialised in the cultural history of the nineteenth century. She has since built a wide-ranging career as a lecturer, writer and educator, working with galleries, museums and universities across the UK and abroad.
Her talks are known for weaving together art, politics and social history, and she has developed a particular reputation for illuminating the stories behind artworks and the people who made them. She has lectured for Tate, Dulwich Picture Gallery, Sotheby’s Institute of Art and numerous adult-education programmes, and her interdisciplinary background often brings unexpected connections to the fore.
In this lecture, Dr Mancio will trace key moments in American history through 25 artworks and photographs, exploring how artists have responded to the nation’s shifting identity—from early colonial portraits to modern icons. The evening promises a broad sweep of themes, touching on independence, civil rights, migration, conflict and cultural change, all seen through the lens of visual art.
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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