Lecturers at Pembrokeshire College took 40 students from ND graphics, design crafts, fashion and textiles, multimedia, A-Level and Pre-BA foundation art and design on a four-day college trip recently to experience its cultural richness through viewing iconic works of art from Francis Bacon to Warhol as well as visiting some very contemporary exhibitions.
Students and staff attended two cutting edges shows at the V&A called 'Fashion vs Sport' and 'Cold War Design'. This was followed by a trip to the prestigious Tate Modern where they soaked up exhibitions featuring the power of Mark Rothko's colour field painting, the Unilever Turbine Hall instillation of Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster and the interactive Cildo Meireles.
"This was a well organised and enriching trip. Although it was educational, we still got the chance to experience the city of London, which was really exciting," enthused Emmy Chant, ND graphic design student.
"We had a memorable visit to the Saatchi Gallery to view their inaugural exhibition: The Revolution Continues: New Chinese Art," explained design craft lecturer Hew Fuller.
"This new Chinese art caused quite a stir amongst the staff and students as the work was provocative, especially the old men in the electric wheelchairs which were like extras from Dr. Who.
"Students and staff also visited Tate Britain to see Francis Bacon, Richard Wilson, Henry Moore along with work by David Shrigley.
"On the penultimate day of the trip, one group revisited Southbank for a Hayward Gallery double show by Robin Rohde and Andy Warhol, whilst the other group chose to visit the Fashion and Textiles Museum set up by Zandra Rhodes and the Design Museum, founded by Conran.
"After this saturation of cultural influence students took time to for another strong influence... shopping around London," added Hew.
For more information about in art and design courses visit http://www.pembs.ac.uk/arts">www.pembs.ac.uk/arts