From medieval swords to contemporary ceramics, immerse yourself in two distinct but complementary summer school experiences that bring together deep historical insight and hands-on artistic practice.

In the Arms and Armour Summer School, journey through the fascinating world of arms and armour with expert-led talks, object handling, and live demonstrations. Discover how weapons and protective gear evolved across cultures and centuries, guided by curators and craftspeople in one of the world’s finest collections.

In the Creative Summer School, turn inspiration into creation as you experiment with drawing, printmaking and ceramics, taking cues from our exhibition Grayson Perry: Delusions of Grandeur. Led by practising artists, you’ll reimagine art of the past through playful storytelling and bold techniques.

Through lectures, gallery tours, studio sessions and close-up encounters with rare objects and contemporary artworks, this summer school offers a rich blend of historical discovery and creative expression.

Each summer school is suitable for all knowledge and skill level. All materials and equipment are provided.

Explore from Home

Get a taste of what you'll discover during the summer school with highlights from the collection, from medieval armour to 19th-century Asian craftsmanship, and iconic paintings and decorative arts.