Our Year 12 Art & Design students recently visited Houghton Hall to experience a major exhibition of sculpture by the celebrated post-war British artist Lynn Chadwick CBE (1914-2003). The visit brought together students from Photography, Fine Art, Graphic Design and Art, Craft & Design, providing a valuable opportunity to engage with contemporary art through first-hand observation, discussion and primary research. Read on for Mrs Wright’s overview of the visit, our students’ reactions to their experience and their photo gallery…
“Spanning four decades of Chadwick’s career, from the 1950s to the 1990s, the exhibition featured previously unseen and rarely exhibited works alongside some of his most recognised sculptures. Situated throughout the historic house and grounds, the exhibition represented the largest presentation of Chadwick’s work in the UK for more than twenty years.
The visit was designed to enrich students’ understanding of creative practice and support the development of their individual coursework projects. Experiencing the work in person enabled students to consider scale, structure, surface, materials and the relationship between artwork and environment in a way that is impossible to replicate through secondary-source research alone. Students were encouraged to think independently, analyse visual information, ask informed questions and make connections between Chadwick’s practice and their own creative journeys.
The day itself offered much more than an opportunity to view artwork. Travelling together by college minibus, students were able to spend time with peers who share similar creative interests, discussing ideas and developing a greater sense of community across the different Art & Design pathways. The morning began with bright, warm weather, allowing students to explore the grounds freely and experience the sculptures within the landscape for which they had been curated. Later, a dramatic summer downpour transformed the atmosphere of the estate, creating a memorable contrast between the artwork, architecture and natural surroundings. Students enjoyed lunch together in the warmth of the café before continuing their exploration of the exhibition.
One of the most valuable aspects of the visit was the freedom students had to engage with the experience in their own way. Some explored independently, photographing details and recording observations, while others worked alongside friends, discussing the work and sharing perspectives. These opportunities help to develop confidence, strengthen peer relationships and encourage the collaborative exchange of ideas that is so important within the creative industries.
The combination of world-class sculpture, inspiring surroundings and shared creative experiences made the visit both enriching and enjoyable. We look forward to seeing how the ideas, observations and inspiration gathered at Houghton Hall continue to influence students’ work throughout their studies.” (Mrs Wright)
“The Houghton Hall trip was extremely helpful for the development of my art project. Seeing the work of Lynn Chadwick in real life allowed me to gain a true sense of its scale and appreciate small details of the creative process that can be replicated in my own work, to a degree unachievable through secondary research. Moreover, the combination of modern contemporary art and the historical elements of the estate, such as the generational herd of white deer, has inspired experimental development within my project through a more immersive experience – one that I feel would have been unattainable without the trip.” (Evie)
“I found Houghton Hall to be a wonderful experience. I really enjoyed the day exploring the house and found the art to be fascinating and unique to look at. Not only did I enjoy the grounds but loved the day as a while, spending time with my friends and enjoying the art together as a class!” (Jess)
“Houghton Hall was fun – there were a lot of beautiful artworks and architecture to inspire my own work.” (Jemima)
“It was a new experience for me as I had never been there before. There were many sculptures and artworks that interested me, including the sculptures and drawings made by Lynn Chadwick. I enjoyed the experience as a whole.” (Kayla)
“It was so much fun to visit Houghton Hall. I loved walking around the grounds and experiencing Lynn Chadwick’s artwork in person. I especially enjoyed it when it began to rain, as it added to the atmosphere and made the whole experience even more memorable.” (Esme)
Previous visits have included viewing the work of Stephen Cox, Antony Gormley, Dame Magdalene Odundo and Sean Scully.