Iconic & Idolised

GCSE + A level workshop

2.5 hours      £140       

Available 3rd Feb – 2nd April 2025      Up to 20 pupils per workshop 

Explore fame, mass-media and the appropriation of photography by mid-20th century artists who defined themselves by the stars they idolised! Many artists began to use photographs as sources for paintings, including of celebrity figures.

Taking inspiration from key artists including Francis Bacon and Andy Warhol, pupils will learn an image transfer technique, then develop with paint and drawing processes to create a layered, experimental portrait.

• See iconic artworks up close
• Gain confidence in talking about art
• Learn new art techniques
• Be inspired to create mixed-media portraits

Portrait of David Hockney in a Hollywood Spanish Interior, 1965, Peter Blake. © Peter Blake. All rights reserved, DACS 2024. Photo Tate

Life Drawing workshops for GCSE & A Level students

Taking Inspiration from our permanent collection students will:

• Extend their observational drawing skills through a fully tutored life drawing session.
• Develop a deeper understanding of art history and the influence of classical antiquity on later art forms

Standard 2 hour Life Drawing workshops can be booked at any time (subject to availability).

£180 for a 2 hour workshop Maximum 18 pupils

Grayson Perry: Who do you think you are? Create an identity vase.

Grayson Perry: The Pre-Therapy Years
FREE Downloadable Activity Resources

Suitable for GCSE and A level students

These resources have been designed for you to use in the classroom or for on-line teaching.
Explore the early work and techniques of Grayson Perry, focusing on themes of identity and portraiture in The Pre-Therapy Years exhibition.
This self-contained activity focuses on Perry’s use of drawn line, ‘ready-made’ pattern and personal iconography. Students can experience the exhibition through a guided tour film, see demonstrations of simple techniques to apply surface decoration and follow instructions on the activity sheet to create their own Identity Vases.

Suggested activity time (with film): 2 hours

Downloadable Activity Resources and links:

• Download Short Film – a virtual guided tour of the exhibition, focusing on key pieces and the techniques used to make them (run time 15 mins 23 secs)
• Activity Sheet – information about Grayson Perry and images of his work. Includes clear instructions on how to construct a card/paper vase
• Additional images of work by Grayson Perry
• Biographical Timeline

Please note Grayson Perry has always courted controversy, ‘going with the line of most resistance’ to explore gender, identity, sexual fetishism and religious and political iconography.
The film and worksheets do not contain or reference any explicit imagery.

Image credit: Grayson Perry, 2016 Richard Ansett.

Permanent Collection and Temporary Exhibitions

Our stunning collection is a great way to expose students to a broad range of media: paintings, portrait miniatures, sculpture, ceramics, silver and textiles. We’re renowned for our eighteenth century paintings by such famous artists as Gainsborough, Ramsay, Stubbs, Raeburn and Zoffany. Students can broaden their knowledge and find endless inspiration for their own portfolios.

We also have a programme of high profile temporary exhibitions, often drawing on national and international collections, plus interventions by contemporary artists and can offer workshops linked to these. Please call to discuss how we might tailor a workshop to meet your requirements. We can also arrange life drawing sessions at the Museum for your students, please see above for details..

Our workshops can also be adapted for small groups of pupils with special educational needs, giving added emphasis to sensory experience.

Self-led visits are also available: pupils and teachers have free entry but booking is still essential. 

Please see Visit Guidelines for further information to help plan your visit. Contact us 01225 388568 or email learning@holburne.org

We are proud to be a a listed venue with Hyundai’s Great British School Trip. By being a part of this of initiative visiting schools can apply for bursaries to support with growing travel costs. Check out our profile here for further information and to apply for help:- https://greatbritishschooltrip.com/event/holburne-museum/