Andrew Brunt is a splendid lecturer, who is not only erudite and informative, but very entertaining.

The first lecture will cover the architecture and development of the City by Peter the Great and his successors. The second will be on the development of the Hermitage Collection. Both lectures will show Russia's desire to identify itself as a great European power.

Tickets: £28 per ticket or £53 for two (includes Ploughman's Lunch and a glass of wine or fruit juice)