Move and Sketch at Old Royal Naval College

Move and Sketch - Old Royal Naval College

Sunday 2 November 2025 | 13:00 - 15:00

Trapped in Zone One are hosting a physical meets creative activity with a walk at the Old Royal Naval College and sketching The Painted Hall (the most spectacular Baroque interiors in Europe. Also known as the 'UK's Sistine Chapel) from a chosen viewpoint as a group based creative activity.

The aim of our session is to improve confidence in walking on a more regular basis, boost mental wellbeing and give participants safe opportunities for social interaction. By hosting this session will aim to merge creative medium of sketching on the move engaging with participants, who are often inactive, make physical activity part of their daily routine exploring greenspaces in London.

Background to Royal Naval College - Painted Hall

People’s reaction when they see the Painted Hall for the first time is something to behold. Designed by Sir James Thornhill and painted between 1707 and 1726, the Painted Hall features more than 3,700 square metres of Baroque walls and ceilings. These surfaces are covered in striking images depicting 200 figures including kings, queens and mythological creatures.

It was originally intended as an eating space for the Greenwich Pensioners who lived at the Royal Hospital, as it was called then, but it soon became a tourist attraction and was used for dining only on special occasions.

The Painted Hall reopened in 2019, following a two year long, award-winning conservation project and today the site is in heart of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Join us to experience Connection and Identity by Peter Walker, two large-scale interactive artworks using light and sound that invite us to contemplate what it means to be human.

Identity will feature eight illuminated columns suspended within the Painted Hall, evoking DNA structures. Shifting in colour and rhythm, these columns of light, fuse history, science, and imagination to provide a visual meditation on what connects and distinguishes us.

Connection showcases a dramatic and modern reinterpretation of Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam, signifying hope, reason and belief. In a striking contemporary twist on traditional narratives, Walker’s sculptures replace the traditionally male hands with casts of women’s hands. Just as this classic story is reflected in the part of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling masterpiece, Walker’s interpretation of this tale will be exhibited in the Painted Hall, often cited as ‘Britain’s Sistine Chapel’.

Installed together in the Painted Hall and accompanied by music specially composed by David Harper, Connection and Identity offer a transformative encounter between heritage and contemporary art. This unique collaboration instils a dialogue between past and present and the themes that unite us.

About the Artist

“In a world where we are so unique, where the existential self is shaped and ever changing, and where individuality is complex; it is the central unifying identity of humanity which joins us together.” – Artist Peter Walker

Peter Walker is a renowned sculptor and artist based in Staffordshire, with over 25 years of experience creating compelling public artworks and installations. Known for his mastery in bronze and contemporary sculpture, his work is inspired by themes of dynamic form, heritage, and the human spirit.

His work has been widely exhibited across the UK and internationally, including commissions for cathedrals, civic spaces, and large-scale public art projects regarded highly for captivating new audiences and transforming unusual places and spaces. Most recent works have been viewed at The Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, The National Memorial Arboretum.

ON THE DAY

Please arrive on time at the meeting point: Enterance of Old Royal Naval College, College Way, London SE10 9NN

If you have any issues on the day, contact 07870 590402.

This workshop will be indoors, This workshop will be indoors, but we ask you to dress for the weather when outdoors.

We ask all attendees to bring their own art material of a sketchbook, pencils, eraser, and sharper as a means of continuing the activity in your time after the session creating your own Move and Sketch plan. If you do require assistance with materials, contact us prior to attending the activity.

Book Now

Please book one time slot per person. Please arrive no more than 15 minutes before your booked slot. These sessions are designed for adults as an introduction to walking and sketching whilst exploring greenspaces in London.

Tickets are donation based (Pay What You Can), if you have difficulties with booking please contact us and we'd be happy to assist and reserve a place for you.

Walk-ins will not be accepted. If you can no longer attend, please cancel your ticket via Eventbrite or please get in touch with us to allow another person(s) a chance to take part.

Donate to Move and Sketch!

Move and Sketch sessions are free and with donation to attend as part of our community initative to help everyone get out, get active and make their lives better. You can now support the our work and make a donation on our website here.

Important Filming and Photography Notice

Please note that filming and photography will be taking place at this event. All imagery and footage may at some point be published on the Trapped in Zone One website, social media channels, and reporting with project funders.

Undecided? Check out some of the feedback from participants from previous workshops:

'It improved my wellbeing, it made me feel happier and calmer. Being outdoors in the sunshine and fresh air, paying attention to my surroundings, being in the moment.'

'This event has enabled me to do more walking than usual. People have been very kind and someone always walked with me even though quite slow. Very grateful to everyone at Trapped in Zone One. Have been to a few events now but originally found whilst scrolling for something to do on eventbrite.'

'My mood is uplifted and feel glad to enjoy afternoon outside.'

'It was fun to sketch and learn about the history. It was really mindful. Learning about the history of Tower Bridge and of course observing the little details and drawing from top of the tower. Also, meeting people and finding these great pockets of communities around London.'

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