The first Vectis Decorative & Fine Arts Society lecture of the season will be on 15th October at Quay Arts by Lynne Gibson.

Courtly love blossomed in manuscripts and miniatures of the Middle Ages and the Italian Renaissance offered painters an Olympian cast of amorous gods and goddesses. Puritanical Dutch and prudish Victorians tutted over the loose morals of fallen women.

Rococo artists revelled in the flirtatious fun of FêtesGalantes and Belle Époque 'Gay Paree' flaunted the Femme Fatale.

But in our permissive society has the 'Battle of the Sexes' killed the spirit of romance? I do hope not! Join me to celebrate the theme of love and courtship, through paintings from the Age of Chivalry to the Modern Age, in The Art of Seduction.

Lynne Gibson BEd MA is a highly experienced lecturer in the History of Art, Critical and Contextual Studies, as well as in practical Drawing, Painting and Printmaking.

She has held posts at the University of Sussex and the University of Bristol, where she introduced 'Understanding Art' to the Lifelong Learning programme.

She gives talks, lectures, courses and guided tours for a wide range of organisations including ARCA colleges, Art Galleries and Museums, Art societies and clubs, the National Trust and NADFAS.

She is also -when time permits!- a professional artist specializing in oil painting and etching. Her work has been exhibited widely, is in private and public collections, and has been used in a range of publications.

Lynne's passion is for making the understanding and producing of art accessible and enjoyable.

The lectures begin at 8pm but the cafe is open from 6.30 if anyone wants to take advantage of a light meal or drinks before the lecture.

The cost to visitors is £7.