Sixth Formers Explore National Portrait Gallery

Home to the largest collection of portraits in the world, the National Portrait Gallery provided the students with a unique opportunity to develop their ideas and inspirations as they start to prepare for their summer A-level examinations. With some 1,400 portraits on display, and exhibitions that included the Pre-Raphaelite Sisters and the Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize, there was no shortage of inspiration for the aspiring artists.

After the trip Upper Sixth Former Lillian Robinson, commented, “Our trip to the National Portrait Gallery was inspiring. The Taylor Wessing exhibition was particularly significant as it demonstrated how professional photography can be judged and compared.  The day developed my appreciation of photographic originality and supported me in my plans for my A-Level exam.”

Fellow Upper Sixth Former, Dominic Turner-Burr, added, “The highlight of the trip for me was seeing the new photo entries for the Taylor Wessing photo competition. I saw some amazing pieces of work from photographers like Enda Bowe and Jack Taylor Gotch. I also found the Pre-Raphaelite exhibition fascinating, in particular how meticulous the artists were in portraying the subjects.”

Head of Art, Paul Hubball added, “It was a great productive day out for the students, they enjoyed three uninterrupted hours in the gallery. The trip was stimulating and inspiring and really useful preparation for their A-level exam.”