The Dilettante Society was originally founded back in 1882 by a group of students. It served as a forum for informal discussion where undergraduates and fellows could meet and debate issues in a relaxed environment. The topics were varied, but the format for the meetings was well standardised: a speaker would talk on the subject of interest for between 20 and 30 minutes, followed by a general discussion where everyone would have a chance to air their views.
Unfortunately, the Dilettante Society has not had a constant existence. Every so often, interest in the Society would wane and the Society would fold. However, it has always, eventually, been revived. The current Society dates its own renaissance to 1997, when an alumnus of the College and the Society, Sir Nicholas Barrington, became an honorary fellow and took measures to bring it back to life.
Currently the Dilettante Society meets twice a term in the Thirkill Room, Old Court, to discuss a topic of the speaker's interest (although not their academic expertise, hence Dilettante!). In true Dilettante tradition, the informal discussions among the students and fellows are 'On any subject but the subject'. The topics have ranged from discussion on the nature of democracy to cyborgs, so come along to extend your horizons!
The society also organises an annual dinner with a distinguished guest speaker, often a Clare alumnus, to speak on a topic of their choice.
Talks are generally on the 3rd and 7th Mondays of Full Term, at 8:30pm in the Thirkill Room, Old Court.
To get an idea of the range of topics being discussed at the Dilettante meetings, please find here an overview of speakers and topics since 1997.
The Dilettante Society was first founded in 1882, and although its existence has not been constant, it has played an important part in College life. In 2011 a booklet was compiled, "A History of the Clare Dilettante Society", which contains an essay by Gagan Sood, tracking the history of the Clare Dilettante Society from its inception to the latest revival in 1997, together with the listing of all the speakers and topics between 1997 and 2011, the period of Sir Nicholas' patronage.