Art in Parliament (Talk and Draw)

This event has limited spaces. See the calendar above for current availability. 

In celebration of 200 years of the National Gallery, join us for a hands-on art session celebrating Claude’s masterpiece. Led by National Gallery artist educators, you'll explore drawing and collage techniques in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. The session starts with a short talk on what inspired Claude, followed by artist-led exercises introducing new ways to look, draw and creatively explore. Whether you’re a complete beginner or more experienced, you’ll experiment with drawing and collage, discovering new ways to look at historic painting. All materials provided. Get creative, and let your imagination flow!

Suitable for all levels, no experience needed.

After your class you’ll join the free flow event which includes short talks in different parts of the Palace of Westminster. You’ll hear from a curator at the National Gallery and experts from UK Parliament's Heritage Collections and Visitor Service teams. 

You’ll also see an important artwork currently on loan to UK Parliament. Claude, Seaport with the Embarkation of St Ursula (1641), is one of the original 38 paintings purchased by Parliament which formed the basis of the National Gallery.

 

Important Information

Event details 

• The event takes place on 6 December from 5:30 – 9:00pm (last entry is 7:30pm). Your Talk and Draw class takes place at 6pm or 7pm (depending on the time on your ticket) in the Jubilee Room and will last for 50 minutes.
• The event has a staggered entry so please arrive 20 minutes before the time on your ticket so you can pass through the airport-style security search.
• Following your arrival, you will be directed to your Talk and Draw class. After the 50-minute class you will be able to explore the Palace of Westminster whilst you enjoy a series of short talks happening along the route.
• Please note, photography and videography will be taking place at this event. Please let us know on the day if you do not wish to be on camera.

 

Talk and Draw event

This takes place in the Jubilee Room (just off Westminster Hall). This is a hands-on art session celebrating Claude’s masterpiece. Led by National Gallery artist educators, you'll explore drawing and collage techniques in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. The session starts with a short talk on what inspired Claude, followed by artist-led exercises introducing new ways to look, draw and creatively explore. Whether you’re a complete beginner or more experienced, you’ll experiment with drawing and collage, discovering new ways to look at historic painting. All materials provided. Get creative,  and let your imagination flow!

Suitable for all levels, no experience needed.

Series of short talks
• Claude, Seaport with the Embarkation of St Ursula (1641) by a curator from the National Gallery taking place in St Stephen's Hall. One of the first artworks to enter the National Gallery's collection, this painting is on loan to Parliament to celebrate the gallery's 200-year anniversary and to recognise Parliament's pivotal role in its founding. Discover the painting's significance and historical importance.
• New Dawn – Marking the Fight for Universal Suffrage by UK Parliament's Heritage Collections Team taking place in St Stephen's Lobby. Discover the symbolism combined into this contemporary light sculpture by artist Mary Branson.
• Making the Mosaics by UK Parliament's Heritage Collections Team taking place in Central Lobby. Find out about how the mosaics depicting the patron saints of the United Kingdom were made, including the life of Gertrude Martin, the only known woman master mosaicist of her era.
• Maclise's Monumental Wall Paintings by UK Parliament’s Heritage Collections Team taking place in the Royal Gallery. Hear about two very large paintings by the artist Daniel Maclise: The Death of Nelson Supported by Captain Hardy on the Victory at Battle of Trafalgar, and The Meeting of Wellington and Blucher after the Battle of Waterloo. We’ll talk about how the artworks were made, and about the conservation work which has taken place to care for them.  

Suitability
• This event is suitable for groups, solo visitors and those aged 16+. 

Accessibility
• UK Parliament is accessible for visitors with disabilities and other access needs. If there are multiple people in your group who will be using hearing loops, or if you have any other specific accessibility requirements, please contact visitparliament@parliament.uk so we can ensure your needs are met.

Planning your visit
• Read more about how to find us, disability access, security, and our facilities on the plan your visit webpage.
• You are welcome to visit the Jubilee Cafè for a refreshment. Eating and drinking (apart from water in a sealed bottle) is not permitted in other parts of the building.
• You are also able to do some late-night shopping at the Jubilee Shop where you'll find a range of gifts and souvenirs. Both the cafè and the shop are located just off Westminster Hall.