A visit to St Andrews University, School of History of Art

It was an early morning start on Wednesday 19th June for Argyll Collection Reconnected Project Manager Ros McKenna and 20 senior pupils from Dunoon Grammar School. First, it was a trip across the Firth of Clyde with Western Ferries before boarding a coach to St Andrews University, specifically the School of History of Art. Upon arrival in St Andrews, the group were met by Dr Kate Cowcher and stretched their legs around the beautiful university quadrant in bright sunshine.  History of Art is rarely taught in secondary schools so an introduction to the subject by Dr Lenia Kouneni, Deputy Head of School and Director of Teaching, proved invaluable. Following this,  Dr Kate Cowcher had devised a visual analysis activity using a selection of  African works from the Argyll Collection which she has been researching for a number of years.  This was an opportunity for students to study these amazing paintings and prints firsthand.  For all the young people, this was a completely new experience. Using magnifying glasses and torches, they were encouraged to look closely and decipher visual clues in order to learn more about the artworks, artists and their culture.  The activity stimulated much discussion and encouraged multiple interpretations of the artworks.  Despite being unfamiliar with History of Art as a discipline, as  Art and Design students, the young people had a strong understanding of the formal elements of each piece and how artists can employ techniques to convey messages. 

Following lunch, which the university generously provided, the group visited the Wardlaw Museum, where they viewed the permanent collections and the new exhibition Alien Worlds.  

The number of young people from rural communities, in particular Argyll and Bute, accessing St Andrews University is incredibly low, and this visit was designed to not only strengthen CHARTS partnership with the university and Dr Kate Cowcher but to also introduce young people from our region to what St Andrews has to offer and aimed to demystify Art History and to open new pathways and opportunities. The young people were introduced to Orla Garrigan-Matter and provided with information and practical advice on applying to St Andrews and other universities. The day was a huge success with every young person providing positive feedback as to their experience and their knowledge of History of Art.

“I really enjoyed today! I particularly enjoyed analysing the artworks, metaphors and meanings within the pieces and learning about the artist’s culture. 

“I enjoyed really looking at the pictures and noticing things I didn’t notice when I first looked.”

“Today showed me that it's important to think more in-depth even when it seems simple…I didn’t know much at all about art history before I came here. I learned that art history is about finding out things about the art.  I love it. It reminds me of English.”

“I would just like to say a massive thank you for organising and giving the opportunity for our young people to visit the Art History department at St Andrews University. Feedback from pupils has been extremely positive and I do believe they gained more from the experience than they expected. Kate is so enthusiastic and knowledgeable that she kept it interesting and engaging. I also think the use of the simple tools really captures their imagination.” Mrs Deeney, Art and Design Teacher