Verity Babbs: Book Launch and In Conversation

In (publishing 2 October 2025), Verity hurtles through 50 key art historical movements, answering ten important and often surprising questions about each – in just one sentence. These fascinating, hilarious, and digestible nuggets of art wisdom cover not just the fundamentals and the artworks themselves, but questions ranging from why did Courbet never paint an angel? to what should one wear to a Bauhaus party?

This event will be followed by an opportunity to buy copies of Verity books. Verity will also be available to sign copies.

The History of Art in One Sentence is published by Bloomsbury Publishing.

About the speakers:

is an art historian, presenter, comedian, and author from Northamptonshire. She received her History of Art BA from the University of Oxford, spending her time there performing with both The Oxford Imps and the Oxford Revue. Since graduating, Verity has written for the Guardian and ArtNet News, has worked with the Tate, National Gallery, the National Film and Television School, and Royal Museums Greenwich, and her sell-out comedy-art show Art Laughs made its Edinburgh Fringe debut in 2022. Verity’s personal mission and brand revolves around bringing laughter and accessibility to the art world.

Mia Delve is Creative Programme Manager at ‘a space’ arts in Southampton. She works to develop and deliver exhibitions, events and artist development activities. She leads on the contemporary art programme at God's House Tower and the RIPE graduate programme at Old Northam Road. A graduate of Winchester School of Art, Mia is interested in generating opportunities and providing support for emerging artists in the region. Mia is also a committee member and curator at K6 Gallery, as well as a filmmaker and visual artist.

Host or Publisher John Hansard Gallery