AN ILLUSTRATED talk exploring the jokes of artists through the ages will take place at Bridport LSi on Thursday, February 27.

Artists have always used jokes to make serious statements about themselves, about the nature of art, and about the world. This lecture will examine these jests through the ages, from medieval monks doodling graffiti in the margins of manuscripts to Banksy turning supermarket walls into social satire.

The talk will be delivered by Susie Harris, a writer, editor and lecturer who specialises in twentieth century culture and history.

Her most recent book, a biography of Sir Nikolaus Pevsner, won a Wolfson History Prize and was shortlisted for both the Duff Cooper and James Tait Black Prizes in 2012.

An accredited arts lecturer, Susie has spoken at the British, Imperial, and V&A Museums, as well as the Royal Institute of British Architects and at the Cheltenham, Beaminster, Bridport and Port Eliot literary festivals.

The Art of the Joke: Artists' Jokes from Antiquity to Banksy begins at 2.30pm. Tickets are £5, available from Cafe@LSi, Bridport Tourist Information and from lsibridport.co.uk