A Study Day: The Rise and Fall of Napoleon & Josephine

The Arts Society South West London hosts a one-day study course on Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine de Beauharnais at The Community Church in Putney, led by accredited Arts Society lecturer Stephen Duffy across three lectures.

The lectures examine Napoleon’s rise from the son of a Corsican lawyer to Emperor of France, assessing his genius and failings as both administrator and military commander, his relationship with the Duke of Wellington, and how he was depicted by contemporary artists. A dedicated lecture turns to Josephine de Beauharnais, Napoleon’s wife, examining her own influence and legacy. The day closes by tracing Napoleon’s fall, from exile on Elba to his final years on Saint Helena, and assessing where both figures stand in history.

Suitable for: Adults (18+)

Booking: Doors open 9:30am; tickets £35, places must be booked in advance.