A group of 24 GCSE and A-level Art and Photography students had an unforgettable half-term on a four-day trip to New York, the first time the department has visited the city.
The whirlwind tour included visits to some of the best galleries and museums in the world, including the Guggenheim Museum and Museum of Modern Art. The trip provided countless photography opportunities of landmarks including the World Trade Center memorial site, Times Square, the Empire State Building, Broadway and Grand Central Terminal, as well as letting the students just soak up the atmosphere as they explored Downtown and Midtown Manhattan, Soho, and Chinatown, with views from every street corner.
Head of Visual Art & Design Faculty, Naomi Gudge, said:
“New York offered pupils the chance to see some of the most dynamic and exciting art in the world. The trip was fantastic with unbeatable photography opportunities, from the most famous landmarks of the Brooklyn Bridge and Empire State Building to Central Park which was splendid in its beautiful fall colours. Visiting the Guggenheim Museum and MoMA was an outstanding opportunity to see some of the best art in the world from Van Gogh to Warhol, as well as experience the sensational Frank Lloyd Wright Guggenheim building itself.
We arrived at a city full of Halloween decorations and pumpkins and were lucky to have amazing weather throughout. The students made the most of every single second to enrich their art and photography studies and experience the energy and vibrancy of this sensational city. During our five days we walked for miles as well as impressively navigating the subway, succeeded in getting everyone through a packed Times Square to see Hamilton on Broadway, which was brilliant, and even found time for some much-promised shopping in Macy’s.”
Student feedback included:
“I never imagined New York to be as exceptional as it was. It opened my eyes to a whole new aspect of the world. My favourite part was spending the day at Ellis Island where we saw the Statue of Liberty and the museum which had fascinating information about early American history.”
Amélie, Year 13
“I loved the Empire State building and found Ground Zero incredible. I did not realise before going how hectic and loud Times Square is, but I found it very impressive.”
Layla, Year 12
“The New York trip was super fun. My highlight of the trip was probably the walk around Greenwich Village – it’s full of history and the architecture was amazing!”
Morgan, Year 13
