Captivating and inspiring lecture for art students

Over 180 Art Students packed the Capitol Theatre this week, for the inaugural Richard Collyer Memorial Lecture, hosted by the Horsham branch of the National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies (NADFAS).
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd May 2015, 16:32 BST
Sally Bromley and Linda Smith (centre) with John Stewart (right) and Collyers students and staff SUS-150427-153027001Sally Bromley and Linda Smith (centre) with John Stewart (right) and Collyers students and staff SUS-150427-153027001
Sally Bromley and Linda Smith (centre) with John Stewart (right) and Collyers students and staff SUS-150427-153027001

For many years the Collyer’s art department has worked closely with NADFAS, one of the UK’s largest arts based charities, working to advance decorative and fine arts appreciation, alongside the conservation of our artistic heritage.

Highly respected Art Historian Linda Smith, who has worked at The Tate for over a decade, captivated students as she spoke on the topic of ‘The Expanded Body: How the Human figure works in Modern Art’.

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Susie McAlister, Subject Leader for Art and Design, said: “Each year around 70 of our Art students will progress to specialist arts degrees as diverse as architecture, animation, graphic design and fashion. This was a fantastic opportunity for the students to experience a university style lecture and we are so grateful to Linda Smith and John Stewart, Chairman of the Horsham branch of NADFAS, and his supportive committee members for making this special event possible.”

Art student Rachel Keegan said: “It was a real eye-opener to see the work of so many different artists.”

Fellow art student, Jess Hemsley thoroughly enjoyed the talk: “It inspired me to change my ideas for the exam.”

During Linda Smith’s lecture, students and NADFAS members were treated to an exhilarating and thought provoking guide through 100 years of figure inspired art. Linda wove an intricate and clear path through history, leaving the students buzzing with many new points of inspiration and information.

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Susie McAlister added: “Our Students work each year on a poster campaign with NADFAS to create the Horsham Society’s advertisements and posters. I am immensely proud of the continued contribution they make to our wider community and I value our work with wonderful organisations such as NADFAS.”

Collyer’s Principal, Sally Bromley said: “I’m delighted to see our superb art department so deeply involved within the local community.”

Art student George Smith summed up the feelings of the audience, he simply said: “Inspirational!”

Report and picture contributed by Collyer’s.