Stories beyond the frame

See art with new eyes.

Leslie Primo writes, lectures and broadcasts on art and its histories, with a particular interest in Renaissance Europe.

View upcoming events Work with Leslie
On television Rethinking King George III: In Ten Portraits, BBC Select Watch the trailer and more television work
Portrait photograph of Leslie Primo in a yellow jacket, looking to one side, in front of a painting.
  • Birkbeck, University of London: BA Art History; MA Renaissance Studies
  • Eighteen years at the National Gallery
  • Television and radio work for the BBC, Channel 4 and Sky Arts

Explore Leslie's lectures, courses, gallery visits, book and podcast appearances, or get in touch about a speaking engagement.

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Next trip

John Hall Venice

24 January to 5 March 2027
Venice, Italy

A winter course in Venice taught by academics and cultural experts, with no exams and no previous knowledge needed. Join Leslie Primo for a week of lectures in Venice on Venetian artists from Bellini to Titian.

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London to Venice, with optional extensions in Florence and Rome London: Opening week. Venice: About six weeks. Florence: Optional extension. Rome: Optional extension. English Channel The Alps Adriatic London Opening week Venice About six weeks Florence Optional extension Rome Optional extension
Leslie Primo smiling beside the Grand Canal, next to the carved sign of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

Later trip

Artistic Treasures of Renaissance Florence

30 March to 3 April 2027
Florence, Italy

Five days in Florence with Leslie Primo, who joins the group for the whole tour and gives two talks. Visits include the Uffizi, the Accademia, San Marco and the Brancacci Chapel.

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London to Florence, flying into Pisa London: Fly to Pisa on day 1. Florence: Five days, two talks. English Channel The Alps Adriatic London Fly to Pisa on day 1 Florence Five days, two talks
Leslie Primo in a red shirt, smiling and looking to one side, with a blurred black-and-white photograph on the wall behind him.

Days out

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Television appearances

Television

The Handel Scandal

A Sky Arts documentary on the controversial beginnings of Handel's Messiah, presented by the soprano Danielle de Niese, with a contribution by Leslie Primo.

Sky Arts

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