Drawing Laboratory

The studio becomes a laboratory, an artificial place where we investigate aspects of the world through drawing, away from their context.

Drawing from Imagination

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Course details

Dates

17 September – 19 November 2025

Times

10:00 – 17:00

Duration

10 sessions

Fees

£478.00 Concessions available

Location

Shoreditch studios

Tutors

Charlotte Mann

Overview

“Truth is veiled but may be approached by means of observation, discussion and reasoning, where mistakes are always possible” – Carlo Rovelli

On this course the purpose of the sessions is not to make a final product, the drawings we make in the sessions are by-products of a renewed understanding of the world and the way our sensory and cognitive systems allow us to experience it.

Different experimental challenges are set each session, with group discussion and reflection throughout the day. Students may find themselves asked to struggle to see their reflection in water, contemplating the process whilst creating a self-portrait, or observe a complex mathematical pattern repeated over time and work towards drawing it from memory. Although we will not use a life model, we will frequently draw ourselves and each other. In this way a group of people can get to know themselves, each other and the world via drawing in intense and exciting ways.

Please note this course has an emphasis on the use of imagination and memory which can at times elicit difficult feelings for some.

Who is it for

Artists, creatives and image-makers of all levels welcome, including beginners.

What’s provided

For studio courses, easels, drawing boards, charcoal, newsprint and masking tape are provided in the studios for free. There is an added paper fee included at the time of booking which covers the use of cartridge and watercolour paper that is provided in the studios. Any other materials you would like to use please bring with you; we will send out a suggested material list before the start of your course.

What to bring

You are encouraged to bring your own additional materials for personal use only, to the studio. This is an example list of what may be needed; a full material lists will be provided one week before your course begins. Our suggestions include:

Drawing Pencils
Conté Crayons
Pastels
Ink Pens
Coloured Pencils
Putty and Hard Erasers
Pencil Sharpener
Sketchbook

Concessions

We offer a range of discounts. To apply, email admin@royaldrawingschool.org with the required proof. Please wait for confirmation before booking.

Available discounts

NHS Staff: 20%
Send a photo of your NHS staff badge.
Full-time Fine Art BA Students: 75%
Students on design or applied arts degrees may also be eligible. Send your student ID and proof of enrolment.
Primary and Secondary Art Teachers: 50%
Send a letter from your headteacher or head of art department.
Jobseekers: 50%
Send a recent DWP or JobCentre Plus letter confirming you receive Jobseeker’s Allowance or Universal Credit (if out of work). Appointment booklets are not accepted.
Disability Benefit Recipients: 50%
Send proof that you currently receive this allowance.
Tower Hamlets and Hackney Residents: 25% (Shoreditch courses only)
Send a copy of your most recent council tax bill.
Tower Hamlets and Hackney Businesses: 25% (Shoreditch courses only)
Send a staff ID, business card or a letter from your line manager.
Over 60s: 10%
Send a photo ID as proof of age.
Alumni: Postgraduate Programme or Foundation Year: 50% off short courses
Online Drawing Development Year: 50% off online short courses

Before you apply

Documents must be dated within the last 6 months (or 12 months for council tax)
Your name must be clearly visible
Accepted file formats: PDF, JPG, DOC or DOCX

All our courses are subsidised.

Tutors

Charlotte Mann

Tutor