Our L6th Form History of Art pupils visited the British Museum and the V&A

January 19th 2022

On Wednesday 19^th January, the L6^th Form Art Historians embarked upon trip to London to visit the world class collections of the British Museum and the V&A.

As part of their investigation, we set pupils the task of considering the importance of experiencing art first-hand in light of the digital age when so much art is accessible online. After a scenic and hospitable tour on Berry's coaches we made our way to the capital on a grey but crisp winter's day. Having stretched off, we made our way to the British Museum, boasting over 8 million works documenting the story of human history. In small groups our Art Historians got to work exploring the vast collections of art and culture with the aim of identifying areas of interest and producing first-hand recordings.

Afterwards, we headed over towards South Kensington with a seamless commute to the V&A. There was a huge range of art to be looked at, and a golden opportunity for our Art Historians to get stuck into the collections spanning from ancient times to present. Pupils’ highlights from the trip ranged from the Ancient Egyptian galleries, with the large-scale iconic sculptures of the Gods and pharaohs in the British Museum. As well as, discussion relating to the classically ideal body, as established in Greek sculpture from the 5^th Century B.C. The body in Ancient Greek art being the most copied style over time, with pupils able to consolidate previous research from each period and confront works face to face. Whilst at the V&A, JMW Turner's expressive whirlwind landscape full of drama, imagination and ephemeral atmospheric effects made a big impression. Along with the plaster cast courts, with replicas including Michelangelo’s David, a life size cast gifted to Queen Victoria in 1856. Probably the most famous sculpture in the world representing strength and a symbol of civic freedom to the Florentine republic.

Pupils will be consolidating their experience by writing an essay considering the variety of ways we view and consume art and culture. To compliment this, they will produce a museum experience page in their lessons recording their personal highlights and in-depth analysis into areas of interest with one eye on their future personal investigation topic.

George Cole - Art Teacher