By: Angela Kendall and Sarah Jones, Teachers of Art
Art Historians began their day at the National Gallery. The Sainsbury wing was our focus were we explored the differing styles of artists from the Renaissance. From the detailed oils of the Northern artists, where a fly (a symbol of memento mori adorned a head-covering) to the simple beauty of the Florentine Botticelli – although ‘Venus and Mars’ was never originally to be intended to be publicly seen but glimpsed at by the bride upon opening her cassone (bridal chest). Crivelli’s altarpiece gave a slightly surreal edge as giant vegetables stood in front of the Virgin Mary in the Annunciation. All key information for one of their examination units.
In the afternoon the Art Historians enjoyed a short walk to the West End, to the Cambridge Theatre. Here we were met by Mark Fox, a keen historian and employee of the theatre, who was able to bring the story of the ‘mini theatre building boom’ in London from the 1930’s to life, specifically focusing on the Art Deco style. The interior decoration of this beautiful theatre with ribbed ceilings, concealed lighting, brass doors and bas-relief friezes in the foyer proved a perfect example of this architectural period, which the students will be focusing on in their final phase of their course.
The trip to the National and the Cambridge theatre provided us with a little glitz and glamour. To see the shine of the gold leaf on the Renaissance paintings and the twinkling friezes in the theatre foyer. A stylish day to be remembered; the stories behind the facades etched into memories.
