Veronica Ricks
The Heatherley School of Fine Art teaches a wide range of full and part-time courses
‘Our teaching philosophy is based on learning to draw and paint. We also have a strong figurative emphasis; capturing the human form is an excellent way of acquiring classical techniques. Once those have been mastered, students can develop in any artistic direction, whether abstract, conceptual or figurative.’
Veronica Ricks, Principal of The Heatherley School of Fine Art, is describing the ethos of London’s oldest independent art school
(it was founded in 1845). Distinguished former pupils include Rossetti, Burne Jones, Millais, Sickert, Evelyn Waugh, Franz Kline and Henry Moore and local resident Quentin Crisp was a regular life model.
Today, students can take full-time two-year diplomas in Portraiture, Sculpture, Painting and Printmaking, a Portfolio Preparation course for those returning to study and a wide range of non-selective part-time day, evening and holiday classes.
Veronica has been Principal since 2013. ‘We’ve always been avant-garde,’ she smiles. ‘From the very beginning, women were “allowed” to study life drawing alongside men. In addition, we pioneered the Open Studio in Britain. That comes from the French atelier system in which students of all standards share studio space and have access to a live model. There’s total flexibility when it comes to attendance; a student buys 10 sessions and can just wake up and think, I’ll go in today. There will always be a model and tutor here – even if one person turns up, the class goes ahead.’
Heatherley’s has eight fully equipped studios and plans to build a new one on the roof. The demand for extra space reflects the
popularity and high quality of the courses. ’We take students aged 18 and up – I have a 93 year-old in my carving class – and the School has a lovely family feel,’ says Veronica.
‘Whatever a student’s level of experience, whether beginners seeking to explore their artistic potential or artists who want to develop existing skills, they will find a warm welcome and expert tuition at Heatherley’s.’
The Heatherley School of Fine Art
75 Lots Road,
Chelsea, London SW10 0RN
+442073514190
info@heatherleys.org
http://www.heatherleys.org
The Heatherley School of Fine Art
75 Lots Road,
Chelsea, London SW10 0RN
+442073514190
info@heatherleys.org
http://www.heatherleys.org