Fact sheet, Summer Term 2026 Drawing Across Continents and Cultures
About
Think about a prehistoric carving, an African door panel, a medieval mosaic or an Indian miniature and you cross over into social setups and sensorial perceptions that may seem
unfamiliar. Yet the makers of those objects had eyes, hands and minds much as we have, and their possibilities might be ours. We could learn from these artisans of the past through studying their works and engaging with them. We'll find new ways to draw on this long history of visual development across the world to enrich our own practices.
Part of our active thinking will be drawing and interpreting the unfamiliar artworks and plunging into their contexts. We’ll ask how the works functioned on different levels - the ways they reflected communities, philosophies and aesthetic instincts. But beyond that, our day-long practical sessions - many of them working with a live model - will use the pieces in question as points of departure. Our reference points will range deep into the past and span many continents, visual cultures, artists and art movements. We'll experiment, forming our own new art histories.
When
Fridays 1 May to 3 July, 10am -5pm
Who
Richard Ikhide, Constanza Dessain & Julian BellWhere & how to find us
Studio 12.
Royal Drawing School Shoreditch, 19 -22 Charlotte Road, London EC2A 3SG
Charlotte Road is a narrow street with three/four storey Victorian warehouses on each size. The School is marked on the outside of the building along with our sister charities.
Tube
The nearest underground station is Old Street (Northern Line City Branch). The School is a five-minute walk away. The School is a ten-minute walk or a five-minute taxi or bus ride from Liverpool Street (Central, District, Circle, Metropolitan, Elizabeth and Hammersmith and City lines).
Train
The nearest mainline station is Liverpool Street. Kings Cross and Euston are 2 and 3 stops away on Northern line. There are also overland trains to Old Street and Moorgate, both within walking distance.
Bus
26, 35, 48, 149 and 242 run along Shoreditch High Street. Buses 43, 76, 141, 214 and 271 run along City Road south of Old Street. Buses 55 and 243 run along Old Street.
Bicycle
There are no places for bicycle parking immediately outside the building. There are racks further up Charlotte Rd, on Old Street, the top of Curtain Road and people also use Hoxton Square. It is advisable not to leave anything easily detachable or overnight. There are Barclays Cycle Hire docking stations on Shoreditch High Street at the corner of Rivington Street.
Car or Taxi
Car parking is extremely limited, so we recommend using public transport where possible. There are a small number of Blue Badge parking spaces available on Shoreditch High Street. After 5.30pm and on Saturdays street parking is free off Shoreditch High Street near Arnold Circus. Please note, Charlotte Road and Rivington Street are in the Ultra Low Emission Zone, meaning petrol, diesel or older hybrid vehicles which aren’t registered for an exemption aren’t permitted to enter the streets during the operating times (Monday to Friday, 7-10am and 4-7pm).
It is easy to flag a taxi at either end of Charlotte Road throughout the day and in the evening.
Charcoal, easels and drawing boards will be provided in the studio.
Paper
There will be newsprint, Snowdon cartridge, and some watercolour paper in the studios. You are welcome to bring alternative types of paper along with you.
Paper Fees: We charge a one-off fee for the use of our paper stock within the studios, prior to the start of your course. We are no longer taking payments for single sheets, on a pay-as-you-go system. Paper Stations will be set up around the studios to make accessibility easier.
Students are welcome to bring their own materials for personal use and are encouraged to bring a range of their preferred coloured and monochrome drawing materials, wet or dry. Our suggestions are listed below.
Optional materials
- Drawing pencils: H, HB, 2B, and 4B
- Conté crayons
- Pastels
- Ink pens
- Coloured pencils
- Putty and hard erasers
- Pencil sharpener
- Sketchbook
- Ink or watercolours. If you wish to use these, please bring your own water pots and brushes.
- Bull-dog clips to attach paper to the drawing board.
- Charcoal. Free charcoal will be provided.
- Paper. Students are welcome to bring their own paper or pay a one-off paper fee for use of the studios paper stock.
Please note, sharp blades such as Stanley knives, Swiss pocket knives, and other carving tools are not permitted in the studios.
Studio etiquette & facilities
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Please arrive promptly for every session. If you arrive late you may need to wait for a break until you are able to enter the studio. You will be able to arrive up to 15 minutes before the start of the session.
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To access the studios, please sign-in at reception by scanning the QR code sent to you before the course. Please remember to sign-out using the same QR code when leaving the premises.
- A health and safety talk is given at the start of each course.
- Studios have a strict no phone and no photography policy within our studios.
- There is step free access up to the 4th floor studios.
What to expect
Students will have a one-hour lunch break each day. Students are encouraged to take a break outside of the studio. There are many cafes, restaurants, and shops in the nearby area. Remember to scan your QR code at reception whilst signing out.
Hot and cold water stations will be available. Please bring your own reusable cups or water bottles, as disposable cups will not be available.
Contact
If you are unable to attend a class or know that you will be delayed, please email admin@royaldrawingschool.org or call 020 7613 8568 (option 1) in as far advance as possible.