Art as Inspiration

Art & Design

What is inspiration and how can art inspire us? Led by an artist facilitator, pupils will explore the work of famous contemporary artists to gain inspiration for their own unique art works.  

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS:

5 March – 15 June 2025 | Alison Watt: From Light

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS:

• 26 June – 21 September 2025 | Permindar Kaur: Mirror, Mirror
• 26 June – 21 September 2025 | Prem Sahib: Doubles

KS3 ART & DESIGN CURRICULUM LINKS:

• Use a range of techniques and media, including painting, to increase their proficiency in handling different materials.
• Learn about the history of art, craft, design and architecture, including periods, styles and major movements from ancient times up to the present day.
• Analyse and evaluate their own work and that of others to strengthen the visual impact or applications of their work.

Architect’s Apprentice

Art, History, Design & Technology

Meet Sir John Soane, the architect who designed and built Pitzhanger Manor and build your own dream home. Using story-telling, role play and hands-on activities children will explore materials, forces and shapes, compare old and new buildings and use their imagination to make a brand new home.

KS3 CURRICULUM LINKS:

• Art: Use different techniques and media, including painting, to build confidence with materials. Learn about key periods and movements in art, craft, design and architecture from ancient times to today. Reflect on their work and that of others to enhance visual impact.
• History: Explore the legacy of Greek and Roman culture in British history. Learn about political power, industry and empire in Britain (1745–1901) and the Enlightenment in Europe and Britain, including early scientists and the Royal Society.
• Design & Technology: Understand how design and technology affect people and the environment. Use material properties and structures to solve problems. Share ideas through sketches, plans and presentations.

The Fall of the House of John Soane

History & English

Using the Manor and the story of Sir John Soane’s mysterious monk as inspiration, pupils will plan and write their own original Gothic horror story. Explore structure, style and characterisation while letting your imagination run wild in this immersive session.

KS3 CURRICULUM LINKS:

• History: Explore how Greek and Roman culture influenced British history. Study themes of political power, industry and empire in Britain (1745–1901) and investigate the Enlightenment, including early scientists and the founding of the Royal Society.
• English: Write clearly and effectively for different purposes and audiences, such as to describe, explain or argue. They plan and organise ideas with relevant evidence and use appropriate vocabulary, grammar and structure for context. Draft and write using both their ideas and information provided by others.