London as a canvas: exploring public art

At LPS Mayfair, London provides an extraordinary canvas for artistic exploration.

As part of a project investigating the role of public art in the city, Year 9 Art students have been exploring London’s parks and gardens, developing their observational drawing skills through sketching sculptures, memorials and artworks in their original setting.

Working directly from life encourages students to look more carefully at the world around them, strengthening both their technical skills and artistic confidence.

Alongside their practical work, students are examining the wider purpose of public art. Through research and discussion, they are considering how artists use public spaces to tell stories, celebrate communities and communicate ideas. The project also invites students to think critically about who and what we choose to commemorate, and how public artworks can shape the character of a place.

By combining first-hand observation with creative and critical thinking, students gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between art, history and public life.

Experiences like these showcase one of the unique advantages of studying in London: the opportunity to learn from the city itself.