The Courtauld Institute of Art is an Independent College of the University of London specialising in the History of Art and Conservation. It offers courses at both undergraduate and research levels and counts many of the leading figures in the art world amongst its alumni.

The Courtauld Gallery is one of the finest small museums in the world currently housed in the original home of the Royal Academy. The collection spans the early Renaissance to the 20th century and is particularly renowned for the unrivalled collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings.

Museums as a unique learning environment

In times of increasing social and economic division museums have a key role to play in promoting the exchange of knowledge, an understanding of visual literacy and the impact of the arts on collective human history.

Museums reveal aspects of our collective human history and cultural identity. They can play an important role in broadening perspectives and encouraging extended learning beyond the constraints of the school curriculum or the limitations of our working lives.

Our aim should be to offer ways of crossing boundaries, of path-finding through the multi-faceted layers of meaning while also allowing for the visitor’s personal experience of 'exalted attention' and creative thinking.

www.courtauld.ac.uk/publicprogrammes

‘’ We liked the mythical aspect in the story of Cupid and Psyche by Reynolds. We also liked the contrast in the lighting, the obscurity and how Cupid looked innocent and pale. We focused on the story behind the painting, where Psyche is about to discover the true identity of Cupid. Reynolds uses a lot of lighting which focuses on the subject, in a similar way to Caravaggio who he admired. We created one image made up of six photographs. Each photograph evokes one of the themes from the Cupid and Psyche myth using abstract colours. In all the photographs, Psyche is represented through the colour orange/yellow. The images are also themed around the idea of coupling, where two characters and colours are intertwined. ‘’

Divine, Maria and Raffaella

Divine, Maria and Raffaella

’’We chose the ivory diptych of the Virgin and Child because we liked the contrast of death and life in it and the intricate stories. We loved the purity of the ivory and the immaculate way it is carved. We liked the idea that the person who made it was unknown as it added mystery to the work. We researched gothic ivory collections and found out that this diptych would have been made in Paris, in the 14th century. We also liked that the diptych was kept close for protection but told a story inside it, a story that is precious and personal. ‘’

Emily, Izabela and Emily

Emily, Izabela and Emily

Working with Courtauld Gallery curators and conservators…

Developing and curating the exhibition…

‘Being involved in this project is a real privilege for me. I thought of abandoning art for good as soon as I get to university, but this project made me change my view about my priorities and showed me that I could never ever escape something that has always been a part of me: that is art.’

Shanice

Look Again…An exhibition of photographic portraits created by young people with artist Marysa Dowling, inspired by works of art from The Courtauld Gallery collection. Guests were invited to a Private View held jointly with the new Victorian Watercolours exhibition.

Late Opening Event: public workshops and talks…

The Courtauld Goes East in 2012The Youth Council is made up of 24 students aged 16 to 21. They assist with workshops in the gallery during Late Events, school visits and outreach projects, for example:

Look Again…. Goes East exhibitions during summer 2012 in two community galleries in the Olympic boroughs:

• The Hub in Newham• Rich Mix in Tower Hamlets

Quotes from the students:

‘I have more confidence and it has given me commitment, strength and an understanding of how galleries and museums work behind the scenes.’ Jean-Yves

‘I understand the art world better, especially things like conservation and curating. It was a privilege to be part of this project and to be part of something which was nationwide.’ Duane

‘Amazing - It made me more confident and independent and got me into university! Being part of such a supportive group was lovely.’ Roxi

‘Making new friends and meeting all these new people who work in the gallery was priceless and very inspiring.’ Shazad

ConclusionIn order to ensure that we offer a genuinely useful and unique learning experience we should avoid compromise in terms of both art practice and academic knowledge and genuinely share what we know. If we’re going to use our resources and creativity to facilitate art education projects, whatever the age or background of the participants, we must set the bar as high as possible in all areas of our work and not underestimate our visitors.

Henrietta Hine 2012