Fascinating Florence trip for Farlington

The group was ably guided throughout the visit by Jeremy Boudreau, the Head of History of Art at The British Institute, who gave students an enthralling insight into Michelangelo’s early life and how he produced his works of art, which culminated in a close viewing of ‘David’ at the Academia.

Katharina Giraldi Haller, who lectures at the British Institute, took them to the Uffizi Gallery. She has worked with X-Ray machines and reflectogram technology to see ‘behind’ the works of art, and gave a fascinating insight into many of the High Renaissance masterpieces on display.

The trip also included visits to Galleria Palatina, and Il Papiro, where they saw paper being wax printed, and the famous Boar of Florence, as well as a tour of sculptures at the Bargello Museum.

A highlight for the students was taking part in a fresco workshop, allowing the girls to create their own unique souvenirs using five-hundred-year-old techniques. They were also given taster lessons in Italian at the Palazzo Strozzi.

On the last day, they split into two groups; the more adventurous decided to climb to the top of Brunelleschi’s dome of Florence Cathedral to enjoy a panoramic view of the most beautiful red-roofed city on earth; while some went to the church of Santa Maria Novello to view the Masaccio Trinity fresco and Brunelleschi’s crucifix.

Mrs Penny Huntsman, Head of History of Art at Farlington, and Committee Member of the Schools’ Group, Association of Art Historians, said, “I have been working with the British Institute in Florence for a number of years and they have been able to tailor their lectures to the demands of the A Level History of Art course.

“Such a bespoke service at a learned and historic institution is a wonderful opportunity for the girls. The trip is open to the whole Sixth Form; non-subject specialists gain a superb and culturally enriching experience giving them a taste of all that is magical about Florence.”

Report and picture contributed by Farlington School.