Looking for creative inspiration this spring? The National Portrait Gallery offers a lineup of exciting arty workshops in London. Whether you’re interested in drawing, photography, or painting, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Explore Arty Workshops in London for All Skill Levels
The National Portrait Gallery hosts workshops for beginners and seasoned artists alike. Enjoy a mix of hands-on activities, expert-led sessions, and exclusive member events.
Drop-In Drawing Sessions
•When: Multiple dates, starting 21 March 2025
•Price: Free, no booking required
Drop by and unleash your creativity in a relaxed setting. Spend 10 minutes or two hours drawing portraits inspired by the gallery’s world-renowned collection. All materials are provided, and beginners are welcome.
Edvard Munch Portrait Painting Workshop
•When: 26–27 April 2025
•Price: £250 (£200 concessions)
Learn to paint like an expressionist icon with award-winning portraitist Charlie Schaffer. This two-day workshop explores Munch’s bold colors and techniques. Perfect for beginners looking to dive into oil painting.
Disrupting Fashion Photography Workshop
•When: 22 February 2025
•Price: £125 (£100 concessions)
Experiment with innovative photography techniques in this immersive workshop inspired by The Face Magazine. Create dynamic fashion photos using provided cameras and equipment.
Workshops for Young Creatives
The gallery also caters to younger audiences with tailored activities.
PORTfolio Workshop for Teens
•When: 12 April 2025
•Price: Free, booking essential
Teens aged 16–18 can refine their artistic skills in this day-long workshop. Participants will explore life drawing and portraiture techniques to create pieces for their portfolios.
Family Art Day: Picture Yourself
•When: 18 February 2025
•Price: Free, drop-in
Families can explore photography, sculpting, and collage inspired by self-portraits in the gallery. A perfect half-term activity!
Special Accessible Workshops
The National Portrait Gallery prioritizes inclusivity, offering workshops for visitors with disabilities.
Sensory Tour of The Face Magazine Exhibition
•When: 28 April 2025
•Price: Free, booking essential
This sensory experience engages visitors through sound, touch, and smell, bringing the exhibition to life for neurodivergent audiences.
Descriptive Tour and Tactile Workshop
•When: Multiple dates starting 25 February 2025
•Price: Free, booking essential
Designed for blind and partially sighted visitors, these sessions feature artist-led audio descriptions and hands-on activities.
Why Choose the National Portrait Gallery for Arty Workshops in London?
From expert-led sessions to inclusive activities, the National Portrait Gallery offers some of the best arty workshops in London. These events provide a chance to explore new skills, connect with fellow creatives, and experience the gallery’s rich collection in unique ways.
Plan your visit and embrace the artist within! For more information or to book your spot, visit the National Portrait Gallery website.