L6th Form Artists immersed themselves in a creative and vibrant two day trip to London Galleries

March 6th 2025

Day 1: Introduction to British Art & Culture

Our annual L6^th Art and History of Art trip to London began with excitement and anticipation, as 13 pupils and two members of staff set off early from King’s for an immersive exploration of art and culture in the capital. The purpose of the trip was to provide exciting starting points for the pupils’ Personal Investigation. The first day was packed with incredible exhibitions, stimulating discussions, and visits to renowned galleries that offered a diverse range of artistic experiences.

Morning - British Museum & Picasso Prints

We started our day at the iconic British Museum, a treasure trove of global history and culture. Pupils explored the museum’s vast collection, including artefacts from Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, learning about the intersection of art, history, and archaeology. This was a perfect introduction to understanding art in its historical context.

Afterwards, we visited the Picasso Prints exhibition, which offered a focused insight into Picasso's mastery of printmaking. Pupils had the chance to witness Picasso’s experimentation with different techniques, gaining a deeper understanding of his innovative approach to art beyond painting. The exhibition sparked engaging conversations about artistic process and creative evolution, which hopefully, the pupils will be able to replicate in their own practise.

Flickr album: L6th Form Art Trip to London Galleries - 6th March 2025 | Height: auto | Theme: Default | Skin: Default Skin

Afternoon - Somerset House and the Courtauld Gallery

Next, we moved on to Somerset House to see the Soil Exhibition, which explored environmental themes through contemporary art. The exhibition offered an engaging platform for the pupils to reflect on the relationship between humanity and the natural world. Pupils learned how art can communicate pressing social issues and create conversations on sustainability.

From Somerset House, we took a short journey to the Courtauld Gallery, home to one of the finest collections of European art. The pupils explored iconic works by artists like Van Gogh, Manet, and Cézanne, learning how art reflects changing societal views and historical moments. The Courtauld’s blend of permanent and temporary collections provided a rich overview of Western art history.

One of the highlights of our trip was the opportunity to meet Old Brutonian, Miss Natalia Munoz-Rojas (W2012), a former pupil of King’s Bruton who is currently pursuing a PhD in History of Art at the Courtauld Institute. Miss Munoz-Rojas kindly took the time to speak with the pupils, offering an inspirational talk about the diverse pathways within the field of History of Art, from academic research to curation and restoration. Her insights into her own journey and the academic rigor involved in pursuing a PhD in this field sparked an interest and curiosity among the pupils. She discussed the various aspects of working in art history, including research methodologies, the challenges of curation, and the fascinating world of art restoration.

In addition to her talk, Natalia graciously offered advice on work experience opportunities and shared information about potential higher education options for those considering a future in the arts and humanities. Several pupils expressed an interest in pursuing work experience opportunities through her contacts, and some are planning to use this connection as a stepping stone for further exploration into potential career paths in art history.

Her visit added tremendous value to the trip, as the pupils were able to see the practical applications of their studies and learn from someone who has navigated the academic world of art history first hand. This interaction not only enhanced their understanding of the subject, but also provided them with tangible ways to pursue their passion for art in the future.

Evening - National Portrait Gallery & Cinema

Our final gallery of the day was the National Portrait Gallery, where we explored its extensive collection of British portraits, ranging from Tudor times to the present day. The gallery’s diverse array of subjects, including artists, writers, politicians, and celebrities, gave the pupils a sense of how portraiture evolves in response to cultural and social changes.

To round off the day, we headed to the Garden Cinema in Covent Garden to watch Mike Leigh's critically acclaimed film Secret & Lies. The pupils enjoyed the film's exploration of family dynamics, identity, and social issues, tying in with the broader themes of the trip. It was a perfect way to engage with the ideas of contemporary art and history in a different medium.

The trip wouldn’t be the same if we didn’t dine out at Wagamama’s, so to top the day off we relaxed in the comfort of their delicious food before heading to the hostel.

Day 2: A Deep Dive into Contemporary Art

After a restful night, the second day was dedicated to exploring modern and contemporary art, from fashion to immersive exhibitions. It was a day of visual exploration, cultural discovery, and a deeper dive into global artistic trends.

Morning - V&A Museum & Naomi Campbell Exhibition

We began at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), a key institution for the study of art and design. The pupils visited the Naomi Campbell Exhibition, which highlighted the supermodel’s impact on the fashion industry and broader cultural spheres. The exhibition gave pupils insight into how fashion intersects with art, identity, and global influence. Pupils were particularly intrigued by Campbell’s influence as a trailblazer for diversity and inclusion in the fashion world. Their particular highlight was the chance to walk the catwalk and watch themselves on a recording. There are some budding catwalk models among them!

Following this, we explored the museum's permanent collection, which spans many centuries and styles, including European Renaissance, Islamic art, and contemporary design. The diversity of the V&A’s collections offered an excellent opportunity for pupils to make connections between historical and modern art practices.

Afternoon - Royal Academy of Arts & Lightroom

Next, we headed to the Royal Academy of Arts to view the Brazilian Exhibition. This vibrant exhibition brought Brazilian art and culture to life, offering pupils the chance to explore the dynamic history and diverse cultural influences in Brazilian art. The pupils appreciated how the exhibit captured the rich complexity of Brazil’s cultural identity, from indigenous art to modern expression. On the way to the tube, we took in two exhibitions at Hauser and Wirth and a Dan Flavin exhibition near Cork Street.

Our final stop for the day was at Lightroom to see the Catwalk Exhibition, an immersive experience that showcased the world of high fashion. Pupils were amazed by the visual spectacle of fashion on display, which combined art, design, and technology. The exhibition allowed pupils to appreciate how fashion can be an art form, with its own unique way of communicating identity, politics, and culture.

The trip concluded with a visit to the vibrant Camden Market, where pupils had the opportunity to explore the eclectic mix of street art, fashion, food, and music. Camden's bohemian atmosphere provided a perfect ending to our cultural journey, allowing pupils to immerse themselves in the lively spirit of London.

After some free time to explore and shop, we boarded the coach back to Bruton, reflecting on the diverse art forms and cultural experiences we had encountered.

The trip to London provided an invaluable opportunity for King’s pupils to engage with a wide range of art forms and historical contexts. From ancient artefacts at the British Museum to contemporary fashion at the V&A, the pupils were able to connect with both historical and modern artistic expressions, expanding their understanding of art in both cultural and historical contexts. The trip also fostered creative thinking, sparked discussions, and inspired new perspectives on the world of art. It was a highly successful and enriching experience for all involved. Hopefully, now they have all they need to make a successful start to their Personal Investigation.

Seamus Harkness - Head of Art