Sixth Form Art Trip to the Wellcome Collection and the British Museum
On 13 November, we, the Sixth Form Art students, travelled from Archway Station to Euston to visit two inspiring exhibitions. Our first stop was the Wellcome Collection, a free museum and library that forms part of Wellcome, a charitable foundation supporting science and a healthier future. We ended the day at the British Museum, where we visited Nordic Noir, an exhibition featuring more than 150 works on paper by over 100 Nordic artists.
Our first exhibition, Thirst: In Search of Freshwater, explored the impact and significance of water on life on Earth. Through historical artefacts, contemporary materials and expressive artworks, the exhibition guided us through the history, politics and geography of access to clean water, highlighting its importance for health and cultural practices. From ancient Mesopotamia and Victorian London to present-day Nepal and Singapore, it offered a fascinating perspective on one of humanity’s most vital resources.
As we moved through the exhibition, we encountered a wide variety of installations and artefacts, immersing us in different cultures, histories and time periods. Overall, the carefully curated exhibition provided an interactive and thought-provoking experience that deepened our understanding of the importance of clean water.
One particularly memorable work was Mineral Link by Lebanese artist Dala Nasser, exploring water acidity across the sixty sectors of Beirut.
Following our visit, we made the inevitable, hunger-driven journey towards the British Museum. After a relaxing lunch break around Oxford Street, we visited Nordic Noir, a timely exhibition showcasing over 150 prints by more than 100 Nordic artists, including Edvard Munch, Mamma Andersson, John Savio and many others.
One of our favourite works was Man with Horse Head (2021), an immensely detailed charcoal and graphite drawing by Sverre Wilhelm Malling. We found the piece particularly moving because it combined brutality with vulnerability in a way that was both unsettling and captivating. Alongside its powerful psychological impact, it was also beautifully rendered, with extraordinary attention to detail.
Ultimately, the trip was an eye-opening experience, combining an introspective journey through Scandinavian printmaking with an inspiring and educational exploration of one of life’s most essential resources.
Written by Izzy and Bella
Young Art Exhibition
Channing has entered the Young Art competition since its inception and has consistently been represented by a large number of students each year. Over the years, our students have received numerous prizes and commendations, including several First Prizes and Rector’s Prizes. The department has developed a strong relationship with the Royal College of Art and the Young Art organisation, enhancing Channing’s reputation for outstanding art teaching.
Staff attend the private views and exhibitions alongside students and parents to celebrate these achievements, while recognising that the primary purpose of Young Art is to raise funds for cancer research, particularly cancers affecting young people. Contributing to this important cause, which raises close to £100,000 each year, remains one of the key reasons we continue to support the exhibition.
Many congratulations to the following students, whose artwork was selected for this year’s Here and Now exhibition, held at Christie’s for the first time.
|
| Commended |
Mathilde |
|
Year 10 |
|
Kira |
|
Year 11 |
| Commended |
Isabella |
|
Year 11 |
| First Prize |
Izzy |
|
Year 12 |
|
Nyah |
|
Year 7 |
|
Charlotte |
|
Year 9 |
A special congratulations goes to Izzy, whose First Prize, the Rector’s Prize, represents an exceptional achievement and a proud moment for both Izzy and the department. She received her award from the distinguished cultural historian and former Rector of the Royal College of Art, Sir Christopher Frayling.
Royal Academy Visit 2026
On Thursday 18 June, Year 12 Art and Art History students, accompanied by Mr Haworth, visited the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and the Royal Academy Schools’ Graduation Show.
Students found the extensive displays stimulating and thought-provoking, with everyone discovering works that connected to their own artistic interests, despite the densely hung galleries. The Schools’ exhibition offered a contrasting experience, presenting a more minimal and conceptual approach to contemporary art through immersive installations and final projects by MA students.
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