Fact sheet, Summer School 2026 Sculpting the Horse
About
The horse is a subject that history reveals as an incredible source of sculptural excitement. This course is an opportunity to try our own hand.
The horse has been potent in human experience and an analogy for human experience. Even now, at a time when the horse no longer dominates as a means of traffic, haulage and warfare, major sculptural statements of the horse are still fabricated and have a force in cultural life.
Students will look at constructing a horse in three dimensions in clear stages and then aim at finding its expressive potential for ourselves. Students will have the opportunity to study the horse as public sculptures, in paintings and drawings and from live horses in stables. We will be working in bronze coloured modelling wax, approximately 14” from head to tail in scale and will have constant recourse to drawing as a medium between life and the sculpture. As we pull together visual material to create a composition it is hoped that one’s drawing practice, as well as our sculpture, will be helped by this course.
When
Monday 6 - 10 July, 10am - 5pm.
Who
Where
Royal Drawing School Shoreditch Studio 12, and various out of house locations, see below.
Location & timetable
Occasionally locations/meeting points may need to change so please check your emails the night before classes are due to take place and bring your mobile phone with you on the day so that the administrator can contact you if need be.
It is also very important that you arrive punctually (in time for the class to begin at 10am) for each class as the class will usually move away from the meeting point quite quickly at the beginning of the day.
Day One - 6 July
Day Two - 7 July
Day Three - 8 July
Day Four - 9 July
Day Five - 10 July
Materials
Charcoal, easels and drawing boards will be provided in the studio.
The following are materials you will need to bring with you:
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Wooden Modelling tools (e.g. https://www.greatart.co.uk/15cm-modelling-tools.html)
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Ribbon loop tools (e.g. https://www.greatart.co.uk/index.php?lang=0&cl=search&searchparam=ribbon+loop+tool)
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Callipers (e.g. https://www.greatart.co.uk/modelling-callipers.html)
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Sketchbook of any size
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Apron
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Pencils and an Eraser
We will provide:
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Wax
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Modelling Stands
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Wire Armature
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Charcoal, Paper and Masking Tape
Free charcoal, newsprint and masking tape are provided in the Studios, you can purchase cartridge paper at cost price.
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, in addition to regular breaks throughout the day. Students are encouraged to take a break outside of the studio for the lunch where 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.