This year, we planned the visit so that it would also give us the chance to view the new Maggi Hambling exhibition. The girls loved the contrast between old masters and a contemporary, abstract artist. It was also especially inspiring to view the work of a female artist exhibited at The National Gallery, as the Art world still offers limited opportunities to women and many of the girls were interested in researching more into this issue.
Each of the students was sent to explore the paintings and produce sketches and drawings that they can use within their coursework, as a starting point for new personal pieces or part of their research into techniques and topics.
Amber and Andrina from Form IV Art also joined us as a special treat for their helpfulness and hard work this year so far. I was very proud of the way all our girls behaved and worked during the visit, and I couldn’t help feeling quietly smug at the admiration their sketches attracted from passing visitors…
Driving in our school minibus through central London, past Westminster Abbey and Parliament, into Trafalgar Square and being deposited in front of the lions at The National Gallery, it felt like we were thoroughly privileged to be enjoying some of the most admired and inspirational sites in the world.