Year 10 Art & Textile Design Trip to Kew Gardens

On a grey, but thankfully dry Thursday, our Year 10 Art and Textiles students embarked on an inspiring trip to the world-renowned Kew Gardens in southwest London. Founded in 1840, Kew Gardens is home to the largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collections in the world, offering students a unique opportunity to explore the beauty and complexity of the natural world.

The trip allowed students to observe and record the magnificent forms and structures of plants, fungi, and other organic life, showcasing the incredible diversity of our planet’s climates. They captured these inspirations through photography and sketches, applying the continuous line drawing technique introduced in Year 9.

Textiles students explored the Marianne North Gallery, celebrating the work of the extraordinary Victorian biologist and botanical artist Marianne North (1830–1890), who traveled the globe painting flowers and plants in remote locations. Students will now use her bold approach to colour, texture, and pattern as inspiration for their own textile designs.

Meanwhile, Art students visited the Waterlily House, a striking glasshouse designed to display the giant Amazon waterlily alongside a range of tropical aquatic plants and fruits. Here, students created additional sketches and recordings to complement their continuous line studies from the classroom.

A highlight of the visit was the new Carbon Garden, which demonstrates the critical role plants and fungi play in combating climate change. Designed by Mizzi Studio, the pavilion reflects the symbiotic relationship between plants and fungi through its curvilinear natural form. Made from low-carbon, natural materials, it serves as a powerful reminder that creativity is not only aesthetically pleasing but can also be functional and convey vital messages about our planet.

The trip was a truly enriching experience, showing students that creativity surrounds us—not just in art and design, but in nature itself, and that thoughtful observation can inspire both beauty and meaningful action.

As a top independent school, we are proud to provide a well-rounded and value-added education that extends beyond the classroom. Trips like our visit to Kew Gardens enrich our students’ learning experiences, fostering creativity, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. By combining academic excellence with unique cultural and artistic opportunities, we ensure our students develop the skills and inspiration needed to thrive both in their studies and in life.