Site specific sculpture: Tate
This two-day course immerses you in modern and contemporary sculpture through a guided visit to Tate Modern and a practical session at City Lit’s sculpture studio. On the first day, explore key works, discuss techniques, and gather inspiration with an expert tutor. On the second day, develop an exhibition proposal or create a small 3D artwork using clay, plaster, latex, and wax, while exploring foundational sculptural concepts in a supportive, hands-on environment.
Choose a starting date
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 13 Jul 2025End Date: 20 Jul 2025Sun (Daytime): 10:00 - 17:00In PersonFull fee £199.00 Senior fee £199.00 Concession £199.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This two-day course offers an exciting opportunity to explore modern and contemporary sculpture through direct engagement with Tate Modern’s permanent collection.
On the first Sunday, you’ll visit Tate Modern with an expert tutor, engaging in discussions about key works, analysing materials and techniques, and gathering inspiration through sketches and photographs.
On the second Sunday, you'll work in City Lit’s sculpture studio to develop a proposal for an exhibition or create a small 3D artwork inspired by your Tate visit. Through hands-on practice and demonstrations, you’ll explore essential sculpting techniques, experiment with materials such as clay, plaster, latex, and wax, and consider sculptural space and display methods.
By the end of the course, you'll have gained an introduction to fundamental sculptural concepts, materials, and techniques. Whether you're a beginner or looking to expand your artistic practice, this course provides a supportive and stimulating environment to develop your creativity.
What will we cover?
Sunday, 13th July 2025 – Tate Modern Visit & Guided Discussion
Begin your sculptural journey with a visit to Tate Modern, where you'll explore the permanent collection and engage in a guided discussion with an expert tutor. You'll analyse selected sculptures, considering spatial awareness, material use, and the artist’s intentions. Through discussion, you'll refine your interpretation of the works and develop personal inspiration for your own sculpture.
Sunday, 20th July 2025 – Studio Session at City Lit
Back in the studio, you'll translate your inspiration into a three-dimensional artwork. With guidance from your tutor, you'll explore sculptural techniques, materials, and display considerations. You’ll also develop your sculptural vocabulary and gain hands-on experience shaping, assembling, and refining your piece. Drawing from your chosen works at Tate Modern, you’ll create a small sculpture or maquette that reflects your interpretation and artistic vision.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
By the end of the course, you will have expanded your understanding of sculpture and either developed a proposal for an exhibition or created a unique maquette (a scale model of a larger work) inspired by modern or contemporary art.
You will:
• Develop fundamental sculpting skills and an understanding of various materials.
• Explore the role of sculpture in public spaces and how to display 3D artwork.
• Gain insight into different approaches to making and presenting sculpture.
• Build confidence using sculpting tools and workshop terminology through hands-on practice.
• Receive guidance and feedback from an experienced tutor.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is designed for beginners but is also well suited to those with some experience, or those returning to making who wish to refresh their skills.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be fully supported by a specialist tutor. Teaching methods include demonstrations by the tutor to the whole group, practical activities, and one-to-one feedback and guidance.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs—all essential materials and equipment are included in the course fee.
We recommend bringing:
• A sketchbook and pencils for taking notes and sketching at Tate Modern.
• A camera or smartphone to document inspiration during your visit.
For your safety, when coming to the City Lit sculptural studio, please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes—no sandals or open-toe footwear. We also suggest wearing old clothes or bringing overalls, as the studio work can get messy.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
The City Lit sculpture department offers a wide range of exciting courses that will allow you to progress from beginner to advanced and learn a range of techniques. After this course, you may wish to join a similar course to develop your skills further or try something completely different. We offer courses in prop making, metal, clay, carving in stone and wood, mould making and casting, and much more! Alternatively, you may wish to progress onto the year-long City Lit Sculpture course VU841, which helps you build your individual sculpture practice.
Please ask your tutor for advice, browse the City Lit website for inspiration, or contact our visual arts team by emailing visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or calling 0203 880 2415 Monday - Friday, 11 am - 4 pm.
The in-person information desk (at our Keeley Street campus) is open Monday - Friday from 12 pm - 1:55 pm & 3 pm - 5 pm. In-person enrolment is supported Monday - Friday from 10:30 am -12 pm & 3 pm -5 pm. General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday between 12:00 - 13:55 & 15:00 - 17:00. In-person enrolment is supported Monday - Friday between 10:30 - 12:00 & 15:00 - 17:00
Valerie Merlo is a sculptor, who specialises in bronze casting. She has an MA in sculpture from the Royal College of Art and teaches at City Lit alongside her art practice. She has a strong interest in drawing, which she uses when working towards her sculpture, which she makes from her studio at ASC studios. Valerie is a very experienced tutor whose personal approach to sculpture feeds into her teaching, by encouraging students to explore the creative boundary between drawing and sculpture. Her focus is on supporting students to develop individual projects from direct observation of the figure, their imagination, exploring and experimenting with materials and from research into the work of other artists; both contemporary and historical art. javascript:WebForm_DoPostBackWithOptions(new WebForm_PostBackOptions("ctl00$ctl00$SystemContentPane$ContentPlaceHolderWorkflowActions$LinkButtonFormSubmitted", "", true, "", "", false, true))
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.