4 February—3 May 2019

Leonardo: Portraits

What stories and hidden messages can you find in the portraits from our Bristol collections?

Join us to unlock the secret code of paintings, where your children will develop their speaking, listening and presentation skills during this gallery-based workshop.

The children will:

  • Visit the Leonardo da Vinci: A Life in Drawing exhibition to see real Leonardo drawings
  • Gain inspiration from this incredible Renaissance artist
  • Discover the hidden meaning in selected paintings
  • Discuss portrait characters and their stories
  • Ask questions about art
  • Compare and contrast art from different time periods
  • Role-play a scene from a painting

Self-guided pencil sketching around the museum is encouraged after your workshop. Look out for our sketching activity stations.

Suitable for: Year 4-6
Duration: 90 minutes
Group size: Up to 35 pupils – you can book more than one session

Session availability: We have two sessions available at 10.15am-11.45am and 12.00am-1.30pm. Further sessions may be available.

Arts Award and Artsmark Award
This workshop can be used to support your Arts Award in the following ways:
• Discover: find out about artists and their work
• Explore: explore the work of artists

Supports Artsmark Award criteria: Pupil Engagement; Range of Offer: Values and Ethos; Local cultural visit; Partnerships

Image: Royal Collection Trust / © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2018

Learning enquiry form

Please complete this form to start the booking process.

Your name
Providing a range of dates will help us find a suitable workshop as they book up quickly
Available at M Shed and Bristol Museum & Art Gallery only. Complimentary use when booking a workshop. Charged at £1 per child for independent visits.

Additional information

Planning on having a picnic as part of your visit? Free use of our lunch room is included in the cost of your session.

Eating and drinking is not permitted in the museum or exhibition. Crumbs attract pests and our collections are far too precious to be attacked!

This workshop takes place in the art galleries and Leonardo da Vinci: A Life in Drawing   exhibition. Children and accompanying school adults will be given access to our Leonardo da Vinci: A Life in Drawing exhibition for 15mins during the workshop.

We encourage taking lots of photos in the art galleries and museum, but photography is not permitted in Leonardo da Vinci: A Life in Drawing.