The story of the Impressionists

Event information

• Type: Tours
• Date: Wednesday, 30 September 2026
• Tickets: From £20
• Location: The National Gallery
• Address: Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN, UK
• Official page: https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/events/the-story-of-the-impressionists-30-09-2026

Details

About

It’s 1874 and Claude Monet has just exhibited a painting in Paris called ‘Impression, Sunrise’. Was it applauded? No.

The story of the Impressionists involves sheer determination and perseverance. It is enough to make anyone who questions whether they are doing the right thing to ask whether it makes them happy. If the answer is yes, keep going - you could start a movement.

In this guided tour, Emily Dell will look at artists, such as Edgar Degas and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, who caused quite a storm in the art world with their innovative style and different way of painting. But don’t be deceived by the first date mentioned, as the story of the Impressionists may well start much earlier.

Your Host

Emily Dell is an accredited tour guide who has worked in the tourism industry for 16 years. She has always adored telling stories and describing a moment gone by. When Dell is not guiding, you can often find her with a pen in hand, sketching the fascinating places across the City or selling her work at Portobello Road Market. Follow Emily Dell @sketch_history.