National Portrait Gallery

An introduction to portraiture and the National Portrait Gallery’s collection. Different periods and styles are discussed each week in front of the portraits. Includes visits to the current temporary exhibitions. Please contact the Visual arts department for the meeting place for this course after you have enrolled: 020 7492 2700 or 2703 or email visualarts@citylit.ac.uk.

(average based on 1 review) » Write a review of this course

» View full course outline

Key course information

Dates
11/06/12 - 09/07/12

Day(s)
Mon

Duration
5 weeks

Time
14:35 - 16:35

Fees
Full fee: £74
Senior fee: £55
Concession: £43

Venue
OS - Off site

» View location

Course code
VB151

Availability
This date is full

This course is full

Occasionally places may become available. You can add yourself to the waiting list.

» Find another course in Visual arts » Search all courses

Course outline

What is the course about?

The National Portrait Gallery houses one of the world's greatest portrait collections. As a collection of British portraits, it is also one of the best places to learn about British history. This course offers an accessible introduction to the Gallery and its collection. Each week we focus on a different aspect of portraiture, and the history of Britain represented by groups of portraits from the same period.
Meet on the Ground floor, Ondaatje Wing, at the bottom of the big escalator.

What topics will we cover?

The course follows the display of portraits at the NPG which is currently organised into historical periods: Tudors; Stuarts; Georgians and Regency; Victorians; twentieth century and contemporary works. Each class will combine looking at elements of portraiture and thinking about the period of British history under review. Because the NPG is not primarily a collection of art, the course does not focus heavily on art history, however the tutor will present information on the history of art in Britain as part of the background to the study of British portraiture. The course will include a visit to the current temporary exhibitions (ticket price not included in the course fees).

By the end of this course you should be able to:

• Recognise different styles and types of portrait
• Describe portraits in the NPG and express an informed personal response
• Understand the periods of British history covered by the NPG
• Talk about portraiture with greater confidence.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course is open to all. No prior knowledge of the subject is required.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations, hand-outs and for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

Please look at the rest of the course outline carefully to decide if you may benefit from support in your English and Maths skills to help you to take part fully in this class.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The course is not based around lecturing. Each week the tutor will select a small number of works from the current displays and present them to the group. Group discussion comprises the main part of each class. The tutor will lead the discussion and ensure that all the students have their say. Personal and individual responses will be valued. The tutor will supply written notes and photocopies of relevant reading material.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

The course fees do not include entry into the paying temporary exhibitions. You may wish to buy some of the books on the reading list.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Some of the other gallery-based art history courses at City Lit may interest you. For example 'Introduction to the Tate in London' and 'Contemporary art showing in London'.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

Please email us for advice or call us during these times:

Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays - 9.00 -12.00 & 15:00-18:00

Thursdays - 9.00-12.00

Saturdays - 14.00-17.00

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Contact us

Visual arts

Tel: 020 7492 2700

visualarts@citylit.ac.uk

Featured course

VX120 - Textiles: recycle, reuse, retell Sunday; 06/05/12 - 13/05/12; 10:30 - 16:30 Recycle your old favourite fabrics into a small experimental quilt; exploring the idea that textile carries many memories and secrets

Visual arts

Work from printmaking art classes at City Lit

City Lit offers the most diverse range of part-time, weekend and evening art courses in London, with many courses taught by successful artists and practitioners