Art and Textiles Students Explore London’s Cultural Treasures
From Brick Lane to the Barbican, and The Courtauld to the Costume Department at The Royal Opera House, our Lower Sixth Art and Textiles students recently embarked on a superb residential visit, immersing themselves in the vibrant and diverse Arts culture of London. During the two-day visit, students collected inspiration for their coursework projects and significantly increased their step count!
Brick Lane, named after the brick kilns introduced by early Flemish settlers, is now a hub of eclectic art, including graffiti, street art, and modern pieces. The area is also famous for its international food, handmade ice creams, vintage fashion shops, and several flea markets.
The Barbican Centre, the largest performing arts centre in Europe, is situated in the Barbican Estate of the City of London. It hosts an array of classical and contemporary music concerts, theatre performances, film screenings, and art exhibitions, offering our students a rich blend of cultural experiences.
At The Courtauld Gallery, located within the historical Somerset House, students marvelled at one of the UK’s finest art collections. The gallery is renowned for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, as well as its dynamic temporary exhibitions, providing a feast for the eyes and minds of our budding artists.
A visit to the Costume Department at The Royal Opera House rounded off the trip. Renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and creativity, the department creates stunning costumes for the world-class productions of The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera, giving our students a glimpse into the intricate behind-the-scenes work that contributes to these magnificent performances.
This immersive trip provided our Lower Sixth Art and Textiles students with a wealth of inspiration and a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultural offerings of London. Thank you to Mrs Hunt, Head of Art, and Mrs Bishop, Head of Textiles for organising and accompanying the students on the trip.