What teachers say...'The Bigger Picture have worked with our pupils at the British Museum and the National Gallery as well as coming to Cambridge and working with 100 Removes on a day of History/Presenting workshops, and a workshop on Venice for prospective Oxbridge Historians... I can really recommend all the tutors we have worked with: expert subject knowledge and super enthusiastic and engaging with pupils'.
Sarah Richardson, Deputy Head (Extra-curricular), The Perse School 'Alex Fielding brings contagious enthusiasm to whichever classes she teaches. In week-long courses for groups new to Art History she made the complex accessible, gave them a thirst for learning, and instilled in the students confidence to develop and communicate their opinions about art. In classes she has taken for those more experienced in the subject she provoked lively debate and honed argumentative skills while broadening students' knowledge and perspectives. Through The Bigger Picture Alex is clearly driven to nurture an awareness of - indeed a passion for - culture in young people, and to cultivate their intellectual independence.' Benjamin Walton, Head of Art History, Westminster School 'It is wonderful to be able to confidently hand over to a Bigger Picture teacher and trust that he or she will bring specific and relevant works of art alive through contextual knowledge whilst eliciting personal responses from the students. Their interest was held throughout the day and they wanted to share their thoughts and knowledge with your tutor, Andy... Thank you so much' Fiona James, head of Art History, Cheltenham Ladies College 'It was so so lovely to have Lavinia in! Her talk was amazing and she has become one of the girls' new role models!' Kate Spelman, Head of Art History, More House School 'Thank you again for a wonderful workshop...It was so full of energy, great information and fun and has enormously enriched the course we are currently doing. I look forward to working with The Bigger Picture in the future'. Olha Karamenova, head of Art History, St Mary's School, Shaftesbury "Nick Ross's inspirational talk on depictions of love in the paintings of Botticelli was pitch perfect. Nick's attention to detail goes way beyond his expert knowledge of the Italian Renaissance; he is fascinated in the experiential aspect of art history and the synergy between painting and viewer. He engages students by taking a genuine interest in how their own personal narrative activates works of art, gently (albeit with surgical precision), teasing out anecdotes which add to the tenor of his discourse. Recommended!" Laurence Hedges, Head of Art, Harrow School "Thank you so much for an outstanding evening, with the perfect mixture of lecture format and seminar discussion. The boys rose to your challenge with real enthusiasm and both you and Andy captured their imagination in a wonderful way." John Harrison, Head of Art History, Eton College 'Olivia gave an excellent talk, with a great sweep of historical insight, seen thougth the eyes of the art of the period - just what I hoped for, and I do hope to use you again.' Peter Morley-Fletcher, Head of French, Marlborough College Canterbury Pilgrims "Within moments, Alex Fielding had her young audience (top Yr 7 and 8 children) hooked, presenting a fascinating illustrated lecture with passion, energy and humour. Everybody learned and everybody loved it!" Leslie Smith, Head of History, Port Regis "Alex is a superb history of art tutor. Her gift is the ability to teach with passion, clarity and depth. The wide variety of topics that Alex can draw from enrich her lectures and tours; she brings together politics and literature fluently, creating links between disciplines that enable students to draw a wealth of knowledge from her tution. Having seen her teach in Italy as well as England I can recommend Alex to anyone wishing to expand their students' understanding of history of art." Helen Oakden, Head of History of Art, St Mary's School Ascot "...I was really pleased with the pace and the content. It was a chance to watch my students learn at a distance, and the benefit of having another voice was so evident in their positive reception and responses. I like the fact that the workshops can be manipulated to suit the needs of the department, and was thrilled that you could include an ex student from our school within the workshop - it gave it a really positive spin for aspiring art historians." Dan Evans, Head of History of Art at Wycombe Abbey, on 'Studying Art History at University' workshop 'Steve's talk on modernism led all the students on a fascinating journey of nineteenth and twentieth century history, where we discovered the heroes of modern art. Linking Caravaggio to Duchamp gave those not familiar with abstract art the confidence and freedom to interpret works of art in an open and informal setting. The appreciation that Steve displayed for the artistic skill found in the works he discussed inspired the audience to engage with each artist. Now all my sixth form feel comfortable when exalting Duchamp's ready-mades and analysing complicated paintings. A great talk - we look forward to the next. Thank you 'The Bigger Picture'!' Helen Oakden, Head of History of Art, St Mary's School Ascot |
What pupils say..."With infectious enthusiasm and a vast knowledge of the Italian Renaissance, Alex Fielding delivered an enlightening and engaging evening lecture at Oundle School. Alex's presentation was so easy to relate to as she linked 15th and 16th century Renaissance ideals with contemporary culture. Alex's energy and passion for Art History definitely rubbed off on us and we came away enlightened and eager to learn more."
6th Form pupil, Oundle School "Alex brought Renaissance ideals of beauty memorably to life in a talk to Sixth Form students. She started the talk with 6 modern pin ups. These celebrities gave a fun and meaningful contemporary context to our understanding of the past. She knows the original works intimately, making her talk both erudite and very accessible. She was a smash-hit with the students, giving such an enjoyable and vivid talk." Ruth Bell, Art History, Latymer Upper School "Alex’s lecture gave a fascinating overview of some very famous works of art and the hidden secrets behind them... Alex had a huge knowledge of Italian Renaissance art and the history of each piece, really capturing the sixth form's attention and enhancing their interest in art. Her enthusiasm towards her work really encouraged audience participation in answering questions with intelligent points. The depth of Italian Renaissance art and sculpture was appreciated throughout the lecture by looking deeply into the beliefs and philosophy behind the artwork, analysing connotations and messages that the pieces convey, from artists such as Michelangelo and Donatello." Matt B, student, Gordonstoun 'Andy MacKay's talk on German Modernism had been billed as a highlight of the Art History Society calendar, and it did not disappoint.... In a cross-curricular experience, Mr MacKay shed new light on our English, History and Philosophy courses. It was a pleasure to hear a talk on one of the less well subscribed school subjects opened up to girls from different disciplines. Especially useful was his demonstration of how to transfer the skill of ‘reading a painting' to literature or a philosophical argument and back again.' HS, 6th Form Student, The Cheltenham Ladies College |