London, England
Welcome to Start Art History
Helping you better understand art, one session at a time.
My Story
Twenty years of helping people love art
My name is Dr Jay Hicks and I have a passion for exploring, looking at and talking about art. Over a career that stretches from Tate and the National Portrait Gallery in London to Paris, Abu Dhabi and Miami, I have helped my students claim ownership of their own opinions about art. Everyone's point of view is important! My job is to help you and your family better understand the art that you love as well as introducing you to art that you might love, if only you knew it. We can work together in the comfort of your own home or in London's world-class galleries and museums.
Podcast
Art, history and everything in between! Download on Apple Podcasts or stream on Spotify
Adult Learners
One-to-one bespoke sessions
Have you ever wondered why the Mona Lisa is the world's most famous painting? Why Vincent van Gogh is considered a genius? Why abstract art looks like that? Whether Damien Hirst is actually any good or not? I am here to help!
For adults I offer at-home one-to-one education in the history of western art. Whether you are a novice or wish to brush up what you learned at university, I can help. I am happy to focus on any western artists or periods that you prefer, or we may take a more traditional, chronological approach. The choice is yours! These bespoke sessions can be coupled with gallery visits as well. From £75 per hour for groups of up to ten people.
Younger Learners
Help your child learn to love art
Learning art history is one of the most enriching things a child can do. In addition to increasing knowledge, art history develops a child's visual attention, helps them articulate their opinions, opens them up to the world of ideas - and it will help with exam results!
As a teacher at several of London's leading galleries (and as a dad of an art-loving daughter), I have seen how art history helps a child to develop and mature. I offer at-home sessions after school, at weekends and during school holidays as well as gallery visits and longer-term tutoring at times that suit you. As a parent, I know that learning does not end at the school gate nor does it follow business hours. Do not worry - I have you and your child covered! From £75 per hour
Gallery Visits
I offer guided tours of all the major museums and art galleries in London.
These include:
Tate Modern
Tate Britain
National Gallery
National Portrait Gallery
Victoria & Albert Museum
British Museum
Wallace Collection
Courtauld Gallery
Or any gallery you choose!
From £75 per hour, maximum group size of six. Larger groups are accepted but please contact me for details. Tours of temporary or ticketed exhibitions incur an additional fee. One-hour minimum booking required.
Corporate Events
Help your team open their eyes
I offer education sessions for team-building exercises, gallery visits as a part of corporate hospitality and for personal growth. Prices upon request.
Video
Take a look at me delivering a keynote lecture at the de la Cruz Collection in Miami!
Video
Take a look at me recording a live podcast at Masterpiece 2022 with Zavier Ellis!
Contact
We will never sell or share your data - thanks for getting in touch!