Windrush: Portraits of a Pioneering Generation - Workshops at Holyroodhouse

In collaboration with the Royal Collection Trust we are running a number of portraiture workshops at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, led by one of our expert tutors. These workshops includes an opportunity to visit the exhibition Windrush: A Pioneering Generation, currently on display at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, before returning to the Abbey Strand Centre where you will create a portrait of your own.

Portraiture: Family Workshop, Saturday 29th July, 10am - 1pm / Book here
This workshop is suitable for children aged 10-14 accompanied by an adult. 

Portraiture: Adult Workshop, Saturday 29th July, 2 - 4.30pm / Book here

This education programme has been developed to accompany the exhibition, Windrush: Portraits of a Pioneering Generation, a series of portraits commissioned by His Majesty King Charles III. The programme has been created in collaboration with Baroness Floella Benjamin OM, DBE and Ms Paulette Simpson CBE, members of the Windrush Portraits Committee, and the Royal Collection Trust.

Windrush Portrait - John (Big John) Richards painted by Deanio X

John (Big John) Richards painted by Deanio X, alumnus of The Drawing Year


Windrush: Portraits of a Pioneering Generation

This special exhibition features ten portraits of members of the Windrush Generation. The portraits have been commissioned by His Majesty The King, to mark the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush on the shores of mainland Britain on 22 June 1948.

These early pioneers who left their homelands and all that was familiar to them, and the generations who followed them, worked hard to rebuild a country emerging from the ravages of the Second World War and were key to the development of essential infrastructure, including health and transport services. These remarkable people, who showed resilience and pride throughout their lives, represent the positive impact of diversity across Britain.

You can see the portraits at Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh from June to September, and at the National Portrait Gallery, London from October.