On Tuesday 11^th October, 45 Art and History of Art pupils headed to London to take in the sites and visit some of the capital’s most prestigious galleries.

Our first stop was the home of British art, Tate Britain. Pupils had the opportunity to wander through the Turner rooms at their leisure, as well as peruse through the permanent collection. Dominating the gallery floor, however, was the illuminating and breath-taking work of Hew Locke - The Procession, with its gaudy costumes and reflection on historical sub themes. The work was so rich in content, that pupils undoubtedly found some aspects of it beneficial to their own themes, which was the main reason for coming to London. A particular highlight of the visit was the captivating work of YBA Cornelia Parker, with her renowned exploding shed and flattened forms. It was, however, the more conceptual work in the middle room that stole the show, such at Inhaled Cliffs or Thirty Pieces of Silver. The work is witty and provocative.

After lunch the main party strolled over the road to catch the Tate boat which took us up river to the Tate Modern. It was the perfect way to travel on a sunny day, and we got to see London’s beautiful skyline laid out before us. Mr Cole took the art historians to the National Gallery as part of their individual personal investigations. They managed to all find the work that was relevant to their theme which they will build upon in the weeks to come. The work at the Tate Modern was equally captivating for the pupils. Some got to have a look at the Yayoi Kusama exhibition Infinity Mirror Rooms which was a real highlight. Across the way was the beautifully crafted work of Maria Bartuszova with her organic plaster sculptures. Many pupils took a keen interest in her work and have incorporated it into their own themes.

All in all it was a very successful day, and London provided the inspiration that we needed.

Seamus Harkness - Head of Art

There is always such a vast diversity of art to see in London, especially at the Tate Britain and the Tate Modern. I was captivated by the abstract sculptures of Henry Moore and his unique processes which were magnificently displayed in the Tate Britain. The specialised exhibition of Paul Cezanne’s work was eye-opening, from his most famous piece of ‘The Basket of Apples’ - 1895 to his smaller studies of his plans for his larger pieces. I look forward to utilising this first-hand experience into my own work with each fascinating process which we are experimenting in our coursework lessons at the moment, I hope to visit again. 

Ellie  - L6^th Form, Arion House 

Flickr album: 5th & 6th Form Art Trip to London Galleries - 11th October 2022 | Height: auto | Theme: Default | Skin: Default Skin