Art & Textiles Update

National Portrait Gallery Photography Programme – Year 10 Masterclass

In the Autumn term, the Art department was selected as one of just four London schools to take part in the prestigious National Portrait Gallery Photography Programme. As part of this exciting opportunity, our Year 10 students participated in a professional masterclass workshop centred around the theme “A Portrait of Your School Community.”

Students were challenged to tell the story of a person within their school community who is significant to them. They carefully planned and directed their own photoshoots, using professional lighting and photography equipment brought into school by the National Portrait Gallery team. This hands-on experience allowed students to develop both their technical skills and creative vision while producing a powerful photographic portrait series on site.

We were fortunate to work alongside freelance photographers John Stewart and Tanya Harris, who supported students throughout the process. They were incredibly impressed by the creativity, originality, and enthusiasm shown by our students.

A big thank you also goes to the staff members who kindly agreed to be photographed and contributed to the success of this project.

The next stage of the programme will see students’ work submitted for selection, with the exciting possibility of being exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery as part of their summer exhibition.

Ian Murphy Masterclass

During the spring term, Year 9 students have been exploring architecture. One of the featured artists is Ian Murphy, and we were fortunate to arrange an engaging, one-day mixed media workshop with him. Both Year 9 and Year 10 students took part in the session.

Murphy brought along examples of his work and provided live demonstrations throughout the day. Students were encouraged to create mixed media pieces on a larger scale, moving beyond the limitations of their sketchbooks. Students learned about new techniques and processes, and developed the ability to work quickly with confidence, without being overly concerned about making mistakes. Year 9 students, in particular, were excited to meet an artist they had been studying, with many even asking him to sign their sketchbooks at the end of the workshop.

Year 7 Crochet Club

Three ambitious and creative Year 7 students have set up their own after-school club, open to all KS3 students at Chiswick School. They hope to inspire fellow students with their love of crochet.

The students are self-taught and enjoy making a wide range of items—from bags and animals to scarves—all in their spare time. They have created a fun, friendly and welcoming club to encourage others to take part and enjoy the art of crochet. They have also planned exciting projects for both beginners and those who are more confident.

They hope to involve the wider Chiswick community by selling their creations at the end of the school year.

To help the students fulfil their ambitions, we would like to ask for donations of wool that you may have at home and no longer need, or would like to see given a new lease of life in Crochet Club. All wool donations are welcome.

The three founders of Crochet Club—Rafa, Elodie and Yashgin— share how they got started and why they want to teach others:

Rafa D: “I was inspired by watching tutorials on YouTube. My mum bought me a crochet set, but I found the instructions difficult to follow, so I decided to learn from online videos. I want to teach other students so they can create whatever they like. I am currently making a blanket as a challenge.”

Yashgin V: “I learnt to crochet from my grandmother, who inspired me to start. I am currently trying to make a hat for winter. I wanted to start Crochet Club to inspire students to learn something new and express themselves creatively.”

Elodie A M: “I was inspired by my family’s traditional outfits from Portugal and Angola, which include crochet. I learnt by watching online tutorials. I wanted to start the club to show that crochet is inclusive and not just for girls. We want the club to be open to everyone so they can achieve their dreams.”