Year Eleven Artists Draw Inspiration from Oxford Museums

Year Eleven artists showed admirable determination as they braved severe weather warnings and train delays to embark on an enriching trip to Oxford the day before term started. The visit, designed to enhance their preparation for their GCSE examinations, included explorations of three museums.

The day began at the Ashmolean Museum, the world’s first University museum, where pupils immersed themselves in its vast collections of Art and Archaeology. From classical sculptures to ancient artefacts and masterpieces by celebrated artists, the museum provided an invaluable opportunity for sketching and inspiration.

The group visited the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, where they saw impressive exhibits, including fossils, minerals, and beautifully preserved taxidermy specimens. The museum’s striking Victorian Gothic architecture inspired the pupils and perfectly complemented their studies of natural forms and intricate design.

The final stop was the Pitt Rivers Museum, renowned for its eclectic and thought-provoking displays of ethnographic and archaeological artefacts. The museum’s unique thematic arrangement captivated pupils and sparked new ideas for their artistic interpretations.

Armed with sketches, photographs, and notes, the pupils will now channel their creative energies into their final pieces. Their work will be proudly exhibited during the Creative Arts Evening in June.

Mrs Jo Hunt, Head of Art