Women in the picture at Guildhall Art Gallery

Taking place in the stunning main gallery space of Guildhall Art Gallery in the heart of the City of London, this exciting workshop invites primary school children to explore the lives and legacies of women - including trailblazers Elizabeth Garrett Anderson and Emily Davies - through the artwork that depicts them.

Blending art and history with the performing arts, children will investigate how women’s experiences have been portrayed over time and how creativity, courage, and determination have shaped social change.

Through movement, drama and music activities, as well as guided discussion, children will:

• Uncover stories through visual art and learn how paintings communicate powerful historical narratives.
• Develop empathy by imagining the lives, challenges, and achievements of the women portrayed.
• Explore themes of resilience, women’s rights, equality, and representation, discussing how these ideas connect to both past and present.
• Build spoken language and communication skills through drama, performance, and collaborative dialogue.
• Reflect on identity, diversity, and fairness through PSHE-linked activities that consider how society values and recognises different contributions.
• Connect key historical events and social movements, including the suffrage movement, to the lives of the women featured, supporting curriculum links in History and PSHE around rights, social change, and community.

As part of the experience, your class will enjoy a guided tour of the gallery, unlocking fascinating stories and connecting art to themes of history, identity, and aspiration. They will celebrate the work of women artists from diverse cultures, helping pupils build cultural capital, confidence, and ambition.

Don’t miss this opportunity to turn learning into an inspiring journey for KS1 and KS2 children.

Book your free tickets now for your class and for an unforgettable experience of art, storytelling, and performance.

Times & schedule

The workshops run at the following times:

• 10.15am (45 minute workshop, followed by 45 minute guided tour)
• 1pm (45 minute workshop, followed by a 45 minute guided tour)

Email [email protected] if you have any questions or problems booking.

Tickets: FREE but booking is essential.

Travel costs

If your school would benefit from assistance paying for your visit to Guildhall Art Gallery the City of London School Visits Fund may be able to support you. This fund provides grants of up to £300 towards the costs of facilitated sessions, transport or teacher cover and we highly recommend visiting schools apply if they are eligible. You can find out more and apply here: School Visits Fund - City of London.

Supported by the City of London Corporation's Cultural & Creative Learning Fund.

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