Art School Trips in London

Morning

Head to the iconic Trafalgar Square and explore the National Portrait Gallery, one of the most fascinating but often overlooked galleries in London. Get to know 200,000 famous people via their portraits, including all the British Royals (present and past).

Afternoon

You’ve spent the morning looking at high art, now it’s time to plunge down into The Vaults, London’s home for alternative arts, set in a maze of disused railway arches under Waterloo Station.  In this creative, imaginative environment, roll up your sleeves and take a life drawing class. This lesson is designed to develop style and skill, whatever your ability.

Evening

Feel the anticipation in the room as people bid at a live auction. There’s no film that will get you on the edge of your seat quite as much!

Morning

Meet a Student Ambassador from Chelsea College, one of the best arts universities in London. Ask them about  Masters and PhDs and compare university life in London with student life back home. Then, listen to a talk from a young professional working in the London arts industry. They’ll tell you about their experiences, the challenges and benefits of the job and what skills are needed to thrive in the sector. You’ll also have the chance to engage in a Q&A with the speaker.

Afternoon

Stop off at the Tate Britain. This world-renowned museum is home to traditional British paintings and sculptures across a range of styles starting from the 14^th century, including works by Sir John Everett Millais, John William Waterhouse and John Constable.

Evening

Come back to the present as you stroll with your guide through London’s West End, the area in Central London where the city lights never go out.

Morning

Take the morning to relax in Hyde Park, one of the biggest and most beautiful parks in London where the famous Serpentine Galleries are also located. Watch a debate or try public speaking at its famous Speakers’ Corner, visit the Lady Di garden memorial, feed the birds and enjoy an hour of immersive team games.

Afternoon

Take part in a curated workshop on gallery education practice, looking at the roles of the learning team, co-ordination between gallery departments and how funding happens. Develop your own project plans based on the needs of different stakeholders and role-play the professional, meeting challenges and learning new skills while unpicking a real scenario.

Evening

Go up 20 Fenchurch Street, a skyscraper nicknamed “The Walkie Talkie” for its distinctive shape, and visit Sky Garden. Wander around the landscaped gardens and the observation deck for panoramic views from London’s highest public garden.

Morning

See if your portrait sculpture skills are up to it and meet a sculptor who has worked extensively in the film industry. Learn about the process of ecorché (sculpting each individual muscle onto the skeleton) and go home with an anatomic muscle model – a much better souvenir than an ‘I Love London’ t-shirt or keychain!

Afternoon

Explore the Museum of Brands and take part in a curated workshop on graphic design. Learn about how packaging graphics have changed over the years, as well as how art and design are used to communicate key messages to the consumer.  Then, work in groups to try to improve the graphics of a current UK product.

Evening

Spend your evening in one of the many London museums that stay open until late, like the Victoria & Albert Museum or the National Gallery.

Morning

Enjoy a last full English breakfast while taking part in a reflection session and listening to a trip debriefing. It might be home time, but it’s not over. London’s art will follow you back to the classroom…and beyond!