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Inspiring Art and Textiles
Educational and inspiring GCSE Art and GCSE Textiles trip to London
GCSE Art Trip
by Mr Armshaw
On Tuesday 15 January 2025, 38 Year 10 pupils arrived early at school, so that we could leave for London by coach at 7am. Our first stop was Kensington, where Miss Cato, Mr Sanders and the GCSE Textiles pupils alighted to begin their visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum (see below).
The Year 10 GCSE Art group continued on to Piccadilly, where, after a short walk across Trafalgar Square, we entered the hallowed halls of the National Portrait Gallery. We were there to see 'Human Presence', an exhibition showcasing Francis Bacon's virtuosic portraits. His process and evolution as an artist were beautifully illustrated by this stunning collection of works. It provided fascinating insight into his influences, both private and artistic, but, above all, it was an opportunity to see his incredible control of the medium. Our pupils were engaged both by the exhibition and by the prestigious permanent collection.
Around midday, we left the National Portrait Gallery and walked towards Westminster, past Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, and followed the river to Millbank and Tate Britain. Here we ate lunch before spending our remaining time exploring the exquisitely curated collection of British Art from 1500 to the present day.
Being able to get up close to work of such quality and historical importance was a wonderfully enriching experience for all involved. I would like to thank all the pupils for their exemplary behaviour and attitude to the trip, as well as all the staff who contributed to making it happen.
"I loved the Art trip to London. Getting to walk around a completely new area and stop at Art exhibits with my classmates was a fun new experience. I talked to people I never would've otherwise. The Art itself was nice to actually engage with. Thank you for the trip." Sindiso
"Great trip, very inspiring and educational. It was fun and the galleries had a wide range of things to look at. Thanks Mr Armshaw." Antonios
"It was really interesting to see the Francis Bacon and go to Tate Britain. It definitely broadened my ideas on what I am going to implement in my future pieces. In general it was a really fun day. Thank you a lot Mr Armshaw for organising!" Otto
"The museums were unique and inspirational. I will definitely use this as inspiration for my own work." Chloe
GCSE Textiles Trip
by Ms Cato
We hope that Wednesday 15 January 2025 will long remain in the memories of our Year 10 GCSE Textiles pupils as the day they went on an amazing school trip to the V&A South Kensington. Ms Cato, Mr Sanders and eight GCSE Textiles pupils had the pleasure of spending time at this iconic art and design institution, also known as the Victoria and Albert Museum.
The awe-inspiring display of creativity and incredible craftsmanship from the 16th Century Mughal Empire in 'The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence' exhibition was a definite highlight. We also enjoyed the fabulous Arts and Crafts tiles, wonderful contemporary lighting in the café, as well the sumptuous and dazzling Jewellery display, housed in its own glamorous gallery. Of particular interest was, of course, the Fashion and textiles, with costumes from James Bond films and 'Wicked' proving very popular!
‘It was really interesting to see The Great Mughals exhibition. The paintings, embroideries and techniques used for decoration were amazing!’
‘It was such an inspiring day, there was so much to see and the café was very good as well!‘
‘The fashion and jewellery was remarkable and will definitely inspire my work in the future’.
Ms Cato particularly loved the collection of vintage biscuit tins and Mr Sanders was impressed by the corridor of wrought iron artifacts... there is no accounting for taste!
This inspiring trip for our pupils is a great reminder of how much art there is to see in London, and much of it free to access. There is free entry to the major museums and galleries; whilst you may have to pay to see temporary exhibitions, the permanent collections won't cost you anything, although you may wish to make a donation. So if you are in the capital, we recommend including some visual inspiration.