Lower Sixth Art Trip to Goodwood Art Foundation and Pallant House, Chichester

On Thursday 4 June, fifteen art and photography students from the Lower Sixth travelled to Goodwood Art Foundation and Pallant House for an educational visit. The visit formed an important part of the students’ A Level coursework, informing what they research and write about for their written component. Having the opportunity to study original artworks first-hand to develop their ideas will later feed into their artworks too. 

After arriving at Goodwood Art Foundation, the group walked to the learning hub, a teepee in the forest that they used as their base. The students were given a short introductory talk and some maps and then spent the morning exploring large sculptures situated in the landscape and within the new gallery buildings. 

Students were encouraged to make observational drawings, take reference photographs, and record ideas from works that connected with their working themes. This independent research time allowed students to engage directly with the artworks and think critically about the subjects explored, the materials used, and what it means to present work in this context, so close to nature. 

In the afternoon, the group travelled to Chichester by coach to see the collection of modern and contemporary British art on view at Pallant House Gallery. Having made their way on foot from the Cathedral, students were met at the gallery by the Curator and the Learning Coordinator for a talk on how the collection came into being and were asked to stand next to a work in the first room that spoke to them personally.  

Pallant House’s extensive collection of modern and contemporary British artworks features a host of well-respected artists. The work of Pop Art pioneers Peter Blake and Richard Hamilton, modernist sculptors Barbara Hepworth and Eduardo Paolozzi, and figurative painters like Lucian Freud were all found under one roof.  

Overall, the trip was a highly successful and valuable experience for the students. Seeing original artworks and exhibitions first-hand enables students to make informed decisions about the themes that speak most to them and the kinds of art they want to see in the world. Having visited an outdoor sculpture park in the morning and an indoor art museum in the afternoon ensured that students experienced a broad range of themes and media in both 2D and 3D.  

Opportunities to encounter original artworks and contemporary exhibitions play an essential role in developing artistic understanding. This day provided plenty of examples that will shape what themes the students tackle for their essays and will influence their final exhibition next year.  

Nick West
Art Technician