Florence
An excited group of Sixth Form students, together with academic scholars from Years 10 and 11, set off to Florence for a unique history of art and architecture trip. Mrs Huntsman, Subject Leader in History of Art, has been forging links with the British Institute in Florence for a number of years and is currently working with them to create a match between the A-level specification and the Institute’s short courses. Having suggested that the BIF lower their suggested age range to 16 earlier in the year, she was keen to take the first Farlington school trip out there this October half term.
The first day involved the party in a walking tour of Florence which included analysing the beautiful cathedral, particularly Brunelleschi’s dome. The girls were also given the rare opportunity to see the original sculptures from ‘Orsanmichele’, the guild church of Florence. The first lecture at the British Institute of Florence was ‘Exploring Humanism’ – an interesting concept relating to the achievements of man and his capacity, as well as the importance of belief in God, as man was made in the image of God. During the afternoon some girls were lucky enough to be given the opportunity to create a fresco, using techniques similar to those used in the renaissance period. During the evening the group visited the ‘Museo dell’ Opera del Duomo’, focusing in particular on Donatello’s ‘Mary Magdalene’ and Michelangelo’s ‘Pieta’ – an unfinished marble group that the artist had intended as his own funeral monument.
The BIF lecture on Tuesday focused on the mythological works of Botticelli, the Medici family history, as well as the Florence of Lorenzo the Magnificent. During this morning the girls also received a detailed tour of the ‘Galleria Palatina’ at the ‘Palazzo Pitti’, looking in particular at the fantastic collection of high renaissance paintings, including those by Titian and Raphael. The day continued with an Italian master class during the afternoon and the completion of the frescoes – the perfect souvenir of their Florence visit. Still more was packed into the day with an evening visit to the ‘Galleria dell’ Accademia’, a museum most famous for housing Michelangelo’s world famous ‘David’. Following a quick introduction to the work from Mrs Huntsman, the girls had an opportunity to look closely at the sculpture for themselves and to marvel at Michelangelo’s skill.
On the final full day it was another early start beginning with a visit to the ‘Piazza della Signoria’. Despite the somewhat ‘British’ weather, the girls all enjoyed an informative talk about the evolution of the civic centre of Florence, as well as the many ‘speaking statues’. Following this there was a detailed tour of the ‘Palazzo Vecchio’, focusing on the many interesting features of the palace, such as the Vasari corridor. After a final visit to an exhibition at the ‘Palazzo Strozzi’ entitled ‘Money and Beauty’ – exploring the relationship between art, money and power during the Renaissance – the girls enjoyed a final meal together before the challenge on their last day. This involved a climb up 463 steps to the top of Brunelleschi’s magnificent dome and an unparalleled view over the distinctive Italian rooftops and gardens of Florence.
The British Institute in Florence offers academic rigour and medieval charm to its learners and the girls have returned captivated by the beautiful city and mindful of the lifelong learning the Institute supports.
Visit the Gallery for more photos. Libraries (on right of screen) - Photos - and then select the appropriate Gallery.
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