London Ancient/Modern | SP25 Faculty-Led
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Tuesday, October 29 (Week 8) at 1pm PST
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Come and see what’s real and brilliant and all that can only be found in London. You’ll leave more inspired than you can imagine.
Art, craft, design, fashion and film: London is the creative hub and surprisingly inclusive. The learning curve is fast because there are no language barriers. This trip puts you and your work front and center with the leading tastemakers based there. Meet the motion designer who has been creating work for Hermes. And learn how the traditional country house and garden is leading today's environmental awareness. Get to be behind the scenes with Sir Paul Smith at his global headquarters and learn about his unique approach to creativity. Participate and make in hands-on workshops with letterpress and surface design. Experience reviews with independent publishers and indulge in private visits to the greatest collections of brilliantly edited art and design, high and low, old and new. Understand how this surprising mix of culture leads fashion and storytelling.
Students who are interested in print, graphic application, fashion, contemporary style are particularly well suited to this unique study away opportunity!
SCHOLARSHIPS
We want all students to know study abroad is accessible to them. Eligible students should apply for the Diversity and Access Travel Stipend Award (DATSA). See our Pay for Study Away page for more details on study away affordability.
SPRING 2025 COURSE DESCRIPTION
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This class project comprises of a spring term class immediately followed by 10 scheduled days in London. Students follow a given brief in the class which focuses on the development of a California centric creative project ready for presentation to London designers during our visits there. Students work with faculty on these projects resulting in 12 individualized approaches to the same subject matter. In addition to presenting their projects overseas, students will participate in 'making' while in London by participating in 3 specific craft workshops with leading practitioners there. Students are graded at the end of the trip as the grade takes into account their in class participation and their individual presentations and works created while in London.
Learning OutcomesCultural Immersion
Professional Practices
Research and Development
ABOUT LONDON
HOUSING
Students will stay in twin rooms at the Point A Hotel at London Shoreditch. Rooms include a window, private bathroom, wifi, and air conditioning. Public transportation is just a short walk: Old Street Underground Station is 7 minutes and Moorgate Underground Station is 8 minutes. During your evenings off, there will be plenty to explore in this vibrant neighborhood!
London, a vibrant and sprawling metropolis, stands as a beacon for designers and artists from around the globe. Its rich tapestry of history and culture is woven into every corner, making it a dynamic canvas for creative exploration and innovation.
At the heart of London’s creative scene are its diverse neighborhoods, each offering a unique blend of inspiration. Shoreditch, with its street art and cutting-edge design studios, is a hub for the avant-garde, while Chelsea and Notting Hill boast a more refined, classic aesthetic. Areas like Soho and Clerkenwell are renowned for their buzzing art scenes and design showrooms.
The city is home to some of the world’s most prestigious design institutions, including the Royal College of Art and Central Saint Martins, which have cultivated the talents of many celebrated designers and artists. London’s art galleries and museums, such as the Tate Modern, the V&A, and the Saatchi Gallery, offer endless sources of inspiration with their diverse collections and exhibitions.
Beyond its institutions, London’s public spaces and architecture are a testament to its creative spirit. From the historic charm of Covent Garden to the modernity of the Southbank Centre, the city itself serves as an evolving work of art. The blend of old and new, the juxtaposition of sleek contemporary design with centuries-old landmarks, provides a stimulating environment for innovative thinking.
Furthermore, London’s cultural diversity is a wellspring of inspiration, reflected in its eclectic mix of fashion, food, and festivals. The city’s vibrant creative community is constantly evolving, driven by a rich exchange of ideas and cultures. For designers and artists, London is not just a city—it’s an ever-changing gallery and studio, a place where tradition meets modernity, and where the potential for creative growth is boundless.