Art Department
Art & Design at Christ's Hospital
The Art Department at Christ's Hospital operates in stand-alone, purpose built accommodation. Originally built at the turn of the twentieth century it had a ground floor with a small mezzanine landing on which the art teacher lived. In 1986 a first floor was built which linked to the mezzanine. In 2000 a second floor was designed and realised in the arched barreled ceiling. This enabled the department to house its Printmaking and Textile departments which had been on a separate site, as well as establish a computer suite, reference library, gallery space and more studio space.
The department is run with a Head of Department with two full time Art teachers, an Art Historian who teaches 12 periods of Art and one Artist-in-Residence. Working cohesively, this team of staff provides continuity in the teaching of pupils and helps them to establish strong understandings in the development of their work.
The Art Department
The aim of the Art Department is to deliver a well-balanced and rich art education to the pupils. As a boarding school it is desirable for any of the pupils to use the facilities and tuition available to develop their interest in craft skills or art techniques. Art facilities are used by enthusiasts who would like to work for personal pleasure as well as by those in examination year groups, in what many pupils regard as an oasis from academic pressure.
Art is taught by a staff that all used to be practising artists and who still find it important to make time to continue their practice. This and their constant cultural enrichment by keeping abreast of the latest exhibitions and trends are fundamental to the quality of their teaching.