Enduring Images: Stories of Art

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“Good artists borrow, great artists steal” - whoever actually said this, there is a truth there for all creative forms. This 10-week course offers the opportunity to delve into some of the symbols, motifs and architypes that reappear in art history. Why do these symbols have power? How do they drive myths and storytelling? And which ones still resonate with us today?

Students will follow the line of motifs, following from inception to modern form. This evolution, or visual game of consequences, is a fundamentally creative process in its own right, a process we will follow in our own drawings to see how it can inform what we do and charge our own creativity. Through intense observational drawing of the human figure, we will explore how we can expand the possibilities of the life room, introducing motifs that carry meaning and fuel the imagination. We’ll looks at which symbols cross different cultures and how they span history. All levels welcome, including beginners.

Free charcoal, newsprint and masking tape are provided in the Studios. There is an added paper fee for the use of cartridge paper throughout the course. 

NHS staff receive a 20% discount; to apply participants must submit proof by emailing a photograph of their NHS staff badge to admin@royaldrawingschool.org before booking a course. 

Full-time BA students studying for a degree in Fine Art receive up to a 75% discount. Those studying on design or applied arts degrees may also be eligible on a case-by-case basis. Student ID and proof of enrolment must be submitted. Please email a picture of your student ID to admin@royaldrawingschool.org and wait to receive confirmation that your concession has been approved before booking. 

Primary and secondary school teachers who teach art receive a 50% discount; to apply participants must submit proof in the form of a letter from their head teacher or the head of the art department. Please e-mail a scan of this letter to admin@royaldrawingschool.org and wait to receive confirmation that your concession has been approved before booking. 

Individuals on job seekers allowance receive a 50% discount; to apply participants must provide evidence that you're receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance. Just provide a recent letter from JobCentre Plus/DWP confirming you're in receipt of this benefit. Unfortunately, we cannot accept Jobseeker’s Allowance appointment booklets as valid evidence. You may also apply if you receive Universal Credit under the conditions of being out of work. Please send a copy of your proof/official letter to admin@royaldrawingschool.org and and wait to receive confirmation that your concession has been approved before booking. 

Individuals who receive disability support are eligible for a 50% discount; to apply participants must submit proof that they are currently receiving this allowance. Please email a scan of your letter to admin@royaldrawingschool.org and wait to receive confirmation that your concession has been approved before booking. 

Tower Hamlet and Hackney residents are eligible for a 25% discount on courses at Shoreditch; to apply participants must show proof of living in these boroughs in the form of your most recent council tax bill. Please email a scan of your letter to admin@royaldrawingschool.org and wait to receive confirmation that your concession has been approved before booking. 

Tower Hamlet and Hackney businesses are eligible for a 25% discount on courses at Shoreditch during the Autumn Term; to apply participants must show proof of working in these boroughs in the form a staff ID, business card, or headed letter from your line manager. Please email a scan of your proof to admin@royaldrawingschool.org and wait to receive confirmation that your concession has been approved before booking. 

Individuals over the age of 60 may apply for a 10% discount on courses at Shoreditch; to apply participants must show proof of being over 60. Please email a picture of your ID to admin@royaldrawingschool.org and wait to receive confirmation that your concession has been approved before booking. 

Alumni of the Royal Drawing School's Postgraduate programme and Foundation Year receive a 50% discount on courses

Alumni of the Online Drawing Development Year receive a 50% discount on online short courses.

To apply for a concession:

  • first submit any documents/proof pertaining to the concession you are applying for, to admin@royaldrawingschool.org. 
  • wait for an email confirming your concession has been approved before booking and paying for your course.

Please check that your evidence:

  • is dated within the last 6 months from the start date of your course, or within the last year if pertaining to council tax. 
  • shows your name as a claimant
  • is presented to us in one of the following formats: PDF, JPG, .DOC or .DOCX

All of our course rates are subsidised and we also offer a comprehensive concessions scheme. View all course fees and concessions.

Featured image by Yiwei Xu