When in Rome

Alumni tour of Rome with Professor Maurice Howard OBE, is no walk in the park

Guests on the Rome walking tour

Since 1981, more than a thousand Sussex students have benefited from visits to Florence, Venice or Rome. The annual Art History study trip has invariably proved to be a defining experience for them, and visiting Italy with its wealth of art and architecture, spanning from the ancient to the classical, has been a fundamental part of their learning. However, in recent years, the cost of taking part has become a significant financial burden for many.

So this year, to raise funds to support those students affected , we organised a bespoke walking tour of Rome, inviting alumni to immerse themselves in the Eternal City’s architectural wonders and marvel at some of the most significant works of art , all in the company of distinguished Art History Professor, Maurice Howard, OBE.

The expedition commenced in style with a first-night alumni reception at the spectacular Cappella Orsini, where we welcomed tens of Sussex graduates from across Rome, as well as our tour guests, many of whom had made the journey from England.

The following morning, the tour commenced. Over two gloriously sunny days, Maurice led our guests on a specially curated art and architecture tour of Rome, focusing on Renaissance, Baroque and illusion. During the tour, Maurice asked us to consider how architects, painters and sculptors create a sense of illusion, as well as how the past is respected and the function of the space is expressed, in an array of churches, palaces, villas and piazzas.

The event concluded on Friday evening with dinner at the celebrated Giggetto Restaurant in Rome’s Jewish Quarter.

We raised over £6,000 to support the Art History Travel Bursary, which offers financial assistance to Art History students from low-income backgrounds, who would otherwise struggle to meet the costs of extracurricular trips and activities; no student should miss out on the extraordinary and often life-changing opportunities available to them whilst at Sussex.

Mary Connolly, who conceived the tour with Maurice Howard more than three years ago, remarked:

“It was a fully sensory experience; the chaos and beauty of Rome, the wonderful weather, seeing breathtaking art and architecture, and eating excellent food in great company. The tour exceeded all of our expectations. I was utterly exhausted by the end of the two days, but I sincerely hope that we can do another similar event next year.”

“After a two-year hiatus the University of Sussex walking tour of Rome did not disappoint. What a privilege to have my former colleague and friend Emeritus Professor, History of Art, Maurice Howard OBE share his expertise, limitless knowledge and passion with us. A truly memorable experience.” PERSEPHONE DEACON-COLE

After a two-year hiatus the University of Sussex walking tour of Rome did not disappoint. What a privilege to have my former colleague and friend Emeritus Professor, History of Art, Maurice Howard OBE share his expertise, limitless knowledge and passion with us. A truly memorable experience.”
PERSEPHONE DEACON-COLE

If you would like to support the Art History Travel Bursary, please get in touch with us at alumni@sussex.ac.uk. Or you can make an online donation here.