Art and Textiles in the City

“London is a capital city like no other. Its river side is in a state of continual change and growth. This trip was an opportunity for our Year 11s studying the theme of growth, to give life and energy to their coursework and mock assessment preparation.” commented Mark Wood, Head of Art, following their recent trip to the city.

On Friday 19th November, once Year 11 had arrived into the original train departure port for Europe – Waterloo Station, they began to exercise their creativity by imagining the space at different points of the day from beneath the four-faced central clock. The mid-morning hustle and bustle also provided some compelling photo opportunities.

The group’s first destination of the day was the London Eye, to be reached by river boat; arguably the best mode of transport for grasping the capital’s development – through the eternal lifeline of the city, the Thames. At the dock, they explored vertical photography from different perspectives.

While on board the Thames Clipper, the group captured aspects of old and new London in their sketchbooks as they passed by buildings and under bridges. Departing, opposite the Houses of Parliament, the artists took in the stature of Big Ben which first struck in 1859, in stark contrast with the London Eye that has only rotated since the year 2000.

Cruising through the water, students were advised to keep an eye out for the financial city of London and the original square mile where Londonium grew from, as well as certain landmarks such as Shakespeare’s Globe theatre, the Shard and the buildings of Norman Foster, Christopher Wren and Renzo Piano. Since returning to the Park, Year 11 have completed their boat journeys through drawing comparisons between three of their favourite sightings.

Next up was the Greenwich Peninsula, where buildings and structures such as the O2 Arena, Antony Gormley’s ‘Quantum Cloud’, The NOW gallery and Royal Victoria Docks, could be taken in from an Emirates Air Line ride over the city.

Mark commented, “The area around the dock edge is a clear example of old industrial London, redeveloped. The cranes are now decorative and iconic, reminding us of the historic past. As we explored the North side of the dock, students took time to make charcoal and pen drawings of the enormous, impressive structures on the water’s edge, considering reflections in the glass and water, as well as exploring through a camera lens.”

An art trip to the city would not be complete without a visit to one of the premier world collections of art and design, the Tate Modern. Packed full of paintings, sculptures, installations and video art, most twentieth century artists have exhibited here.

“Starting on the fourth floor of the switch house enabled us to take in work about the changing geographic and political scene from internationally renowned artists. It is also the floor that links the two buildings together.” commented Mark.

Free to then roam the many exhibitions, Year 11 were challenged to take note of how the artworks were curated and to select the work of three artists to photograph, draw and write about.

A final walk along the South Bank of the Thames brought the trip full circle as the group reflected on the sights, sounds and smells of the dynamic area. “The South bank has long been a cultural hang out for artists, actors, poets and more recently skateboarders. Home to the British Film institute, The National Theatre, The Hayward gallery, and the South Bank Arts centre. There’s a lot going on every day here.” reflected Mark.