On 8 December 2022 we were delighted to host the East of England branch of the Royal Geographical Society (RGS) in our Blake Studio for the fourth time this term, for their annual Christmas lecture.

An appreciative audience of pupils, parents, alumni, staff and RGS members were completely enthralled by the hugely talented Mary-Ann Bartlett, founding director of Art Safari, a tour operator that combines exotic locations with artistic endeavour. See: (Art Safari - Painting holidays and art workshops, exploring the world of art). She herself has travelled to over 50 countries, always with her sketch book close to hand, extensively drawing and painting in water colour the spectacular vistas and wildlife right in front of her, live in the field.

After a stunning slide show, she proceeded to dazzle us with her artistic flair, sketching live whilst simultaneously fielding questions. With a burst of creative genius, within minutes she had generated in front of our eyes two impressive art works: her favourite animal on earth, the elephant, drawn in both charcoal and water colour (amazingly without once resorting to the colour grey!) We enjoyed Mary-Ann’s company over refreshments afterwards, perusing her beautiful and copious field sketch books – one pupil being the lucky recipient of the elephant water colour, still wet off the easel.

As part of our series of stimulating lectures on site, we are thrilled to announce we are welcoming the RGS back to the Blake Studio each month next term. Everyone is welcome to these very accessible and entertaining talks and please look out for further details in the new year.