Clare Ford-Wille

An independent art historian and one of Travel Editions’ most experienced tour lecturers, Clare has taught art history for over 35 years. She continues to lecture at the University of London, Morley College, the City Lit, the National Gallery and the V&A, as well as for The Arts Society across Britain and Europe.

Clare obtained her degree in History of Art at Birkbeck College, University of London, where she later lectured for many years. She was previously Head of Art & Design at Morley College and is President of the London Art History Society.

Although Clare’s knowledge spans a broad range of periods and styles, Dutch and Flemish painting is her greatest passion and particular sphere of expertise. On Travel Editions tours to Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges and Brussels, she explores the work of artists including Van Eyck, Rubens, Vermeer and Rembrandt, helping travellers understand both the remarkable technical qualities of their paintings and the societies in which they were created.

Clare also leads tours throughout Italy, including Florence, Urbino, Gubbio, Ravenna and Bologna. Her lectures and commentary bring valuable context to Renaissance patronage, fresco painting, Byzantine mosaics and the art and architecture of Italy’s historic cities. She has a particular gift for drawing connections between individual works, the people who commissioned them and the wider political, religious and cultural world of the period.

Clare’s deep knowledge and warm, engaging style enrich every journey with insight. Travellers regularly praise her inspiring lectures, outstanding knowledge and ability to bring art and architecture vividly to life.