A memorable Art & Photography Trip to Rome & Florence, 2023... 

School trips abroad are back!  

On Wednesday 8^th February, 32 Art & Photography pupils departed King’s for a 5-day Italian adventure, to discover great masterpieces of art including a journey to the beautiful Tuscan city of Florence. 

Video filmed by the pupils and teachers:

Flickr album: Art Trip to Italy - February 2023 | Height: auto | Theme: Default | Skin: Default Skin

We began our adventure on a brisk wintery early morning, with frosty atmospheric conditions setting the tone for a prolonged dry and sunny spell for the duration. Our first stop, in Rome, was a morning visit to the Vatican City. A trove of iconic art and architecture gave pupils a fantastic starting point and eye opener into Renaissance art and beyond.  

Taking time out in the Sistine Chapel to decipher Michelangelo's iconic ceiling fresco, produced between 1508-12 with all its presence and drama, was a magical moment. This enormous stage set forces the viewer to look up and admire, in absolute clarity, the realistic representation of each symbolic figure. Michelangelo uses all the tricks in the trade, including perspective and foreshortening techniques, to bring to life each scene from the creation of the world, in his eyes, from the book of Genesis. 

The vast collection of art on display was impressive, as it boasted one of the largest Modern Art collections in the country, first opened in 1973 by Pope Paul VI. He sought the need to open a dialogue with 20^th century art. At this point in time, with the microphone in hand, with pupils kitted out with their guided tour headsets, this was an ideal opportunity to ponder the work by Rodin - The Thinker, 1880. A bronze cast seated figure, hunched over taking a moment to daydream. The radical Rodin never fails to deliver as he challenges the representation of the human form, and where better to spend a moment to reflect upon the vast collection of figurative art throughout the ages. This modern sculpture gets to the core and conveys the inner psyche and what lies beneath the surface. 

As we wrestled for time, travelling from the Vatican to the Colosseum, we were greeted by our wonderful tour guide, Linda. We took a step back in time immersing ourselves into the once brutal practice of battling gladiators as a form of ancient entertainment. To lighten the mood, we ventured out to give us more of an opportunity to cover some ground and soak up the Roman Forum running through the heart of the city. Whilst attempting to keep up with the pace of our energetic guide, we discovered the Forum, once a bustling marketplace, transformed into the political epicentre, supporting legal and commercial life that developed during the Imperial Reign, whilst the Colosseum became the centre of the entertainment, opened in 80 AD. As we ventured up The Capitol Hill, the symbolic centre of the Roman world and home to the city's three most important temples dedicated to the gods. We learned this included Jupiter the Protector of Rome, Minerva, Goddess of Wisdom and War and Juno Moneta, a Guardian Goddess. As we meandered through the ancient past, soaking up all the history, we made sure we choreographed an iconic group photo in front of the Colosseum! 

The second part of the trip began with a four-hour coach journey north to the region of Tuscany, Central Italy. Florence is famed for the coming together of artist, science, architecture, politics, patrons all united under one banner. Florence has a rich history and is often renowned as being the cradle of the Renaissance as many of the great artists were born and worked here.   

Three days in Florence was magical, as we had a chance to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of Rome. We soaked up the blue skies and stunning architecture, including: domes, columns and statues and the symmetrical design. We made the most of our stay with a visit to the Uffizi Gallery, close to the banks of the Arno River. Splitting into small groups allowed pupils to explore and record works of interest that resonated with their current project themes. The myth painted in Botticelli’s Primavera was a piece of work that I was keen to revisit alongside the large groups of revellers who had also made the pilgrimage to see the fine works on display. We also had a chance to pull some shapes and try to work out some of the challenges faced for the sculptor and model behind some figurative poses, providing a few laughs out loud moments! 

To break up the wave of gallery action, we had a welcome chance to top up on our fashion sense with a visit to the Gucci Museum. The Archetypes Exhibition was inspirational with many collections on display. Themes such as ‘Urban Romanticism’, ‘Tokyo’ & ‘Gucci Beyond’ resonated with our working practice back in the Art Department, as we regularly work to thematic projects. ‘Gucci Collectors’ with objects displayed in an infinity room, using mirrors to create a dizzying experience as the room expanded below and above, was a highlight for many. Whilst leaving the building via the stairwell, a graffiti tag grabbed the headlines as it read, ‘creativity has no limits’. This statement is one that I truly believe in, and one that will be held in high regard back in the Art Department. 

To conclude, we could not miss out on David Mania as we checked ourselves into the Academia to see the Florentine hero. As we gazed in wonder at the marble statue of David by Michelangelo (it is more than 5 metres high) this was a great chance for pupils to get their sketchbook out and look closely at the muscles and facial details captured with great skill. The sense of poise and opposing movement of shoulders and hips brings to life this iconic figure in Western Art.  

The Trip was an absolute pleasure, and what an experience we've all had. This incredible journey from Rome to Florence and back again will live long in the memory. We've delved into the past seen high and low art, and everything else in between! A huge thank you to all involved as this would not have been possible without pupils and parental support along the way. Finally, a massive thank you to all the staff who put a mega shift in to making this a wonderfully enriching experience for all.  

Please do ask pupils to share their experience with you and look out for the trip prizes to come!  

George Cole - Art Teacher