The Narrative Figure

COURSE CODE: E2403S20

COURSE DATES: Fridays 25th April – 13th June 2025

TUTOR: Briony Marshall MRSS

DAYS: 8

TIMES: 10:30am – 4:30pm

EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Beginner +, Intermediate/Advanced

FEE: £545

LOCATION: Mermaid Court Campus, 165A Mermaid Court, SE1 1HR

This course focuses on creating a figure sculpture with general reference to a model (rather than rendering a fixed position model study). The aim of the course is to teach you to use the human form to express emotion, energy and character through experimentation with different forms and compositions rather than to create a photographic, realistic figure. You will be encouraged to express an individual, emotional response to the subject.  

Students will be able to:  

  • Analyse the work of others, applying findings to the development of own ideas and work. 
  • Create figurative sculptures, applying knowledge of anatomy and using appropriate measuring techniques, working from the model. 
  • Create expressive figurative sculpture, utilising texture and mark-making to describe form. 
  • Create figurative sculpture that exaggerates and enhances form. 
  • Use appropriate modelling techniques and tools to sculpt in modelling wax.
  • Learn the principles of armature-making and develop purpose built armatures.
  • Think laterally and push limits, through the creation of a body of experimental work. 
  • Plan and complete a personal project, developing maquettes into final realised pieces.  
  • Apply safe-working practices at all times. 

Recommend booking by: April 24, 2025

COURSE SCHEDULE

Beginner +

All attendees must be aged 18 and over.

Choose a Beginner + course if you are looking to hone your skills, focus on a specific subject area and build your confidence. These courses are suitable for those with some basic skills in and knowledge of the taught medium, but still follow a structured path with guidance from the tutor.

A clay modelling kit is provided for the duration of the class to each student. Each kit contains the following: 

  • B10 Tiranti wooden tool
  • B8 Tiranti wooden tool
  • B7 Tiranti wooden tool
  • B6 Tiranti wooden tool
  • BM11 Tiranti metal tool 
  • Aluminium Calipers 30cm
  • Plumb line 

Do bring your own sculpture tools if you have them.

Wear overalls or studio clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.

Each student must bring the following tools to every class:

  • Drawing equipment – pencils, charcoal, rubber, sketchbook.
  • A camera (phone camera) to document the process.

Additional Costs

There will be a cost of *£25 towards the materials throughout the course, this will need to be paid to the office on the first day of the course. Please note this figure is approximate and the confirmed figure will be confirmed in due course before the start of term. (This will cover the cost of wire, wax, boards, etc – if you decide you want to work bigger, you will need to source your own materials or pay extra)

In addition, your sculpture will be made on an Academy back iron. You will need to put down a deposit of £20 for the back iron and board. This will be returned to you if you return the board and back iron at the end of the course.

Briony Marshall MRSS is a London based sculptor and installation artist. With a background in Biochemistry, she fuses an intellectual/conceptual approach with an intuitive, materials inspired process to develop sculptures that investigate the natural world and man’s place in it. Briony is a Member of the Royal Society of Sculptors and a fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts.

http://www.briony.com 

Bankside Campus

185 Park Street,London SE1 9BL

tel: +44 (0) 207407 6969

This is our new purpose built accessible campus. Find more information here

Nearest Tube/ Rail: London Bridge or Southwark (both a 10-15 minute walk).

Please note that London Bridge has two exits, the most direct route is to follow signs to “Borough Market”.

Students are welcome to use The Hub during break times, where you can prepare hot drinks and/or food. You must bring your own keep-cup, water bottle or food container to the Academy as mugs, glasses, and containers will not be available in our Bankside campus.

Tea and coffee will be provided by the Academy and is available from the island unit at the end of The Hub.

Terms and Conditions

  • By booking onto one of our courses you agree to our Short Courses Terms and Conditions.

  • You will need to have paid in full before the first session of your class. Your place is not guaranteed until we have received full payment. Please book early in order to guarantee your place on the course.

Materials & Equipment

  • If you purchased a pack online this will be given to you on the first session of your course upon your arrival. Packs can be booked on our Materials Page or on this page when you book the course

  • Please don’t wear your best clothes as there is always a chance you will get messy. If possible bring an apron or overalls.

  • All artwork at the Academy MUST be taken home at the end of each session where possible, with the exception of oil paintings and sculpture works.

  • We cannot store materials at the Academy, so please take these to and from your sessions.

  • Please ensure that your mobile phone is switched off or is on silent during the class.

  • Health and Safety Guidelines will be provided to you a week before the start of your course.

Concessions and Discounts

We offer a number of concessions and discounts, please find more information on what we offer here.

Gift Vouchers

If you would like to purchase a gift voucher to be used on our courses then you can purchase these here.

£545.00

E2403S20 The Narrative Figure with Briony Marshall

Artwork by Briony Marshall

£545.00