The next sketching outing is on Tuesday 21 February

The February outing is on Tuesday 21 February at 11am to the Wellcome Collection at 183 Euston Road NW1 2BE. It is near Euston Square and Warren Street underground stations. The Wellcome Collection describes itself as 'The free destination for the incurably curious' and has free exhibitions, scientific collections, a reading/hangout room, café and loos.

We are booked in as a group for two hours from 11am, reference number 40238. I would expect that we would be allowed to stay longer than this if we wanted, and we usually break for lunch at 1pm anyway. I'll book us in from the information desk at 11am anyway. The Wellcome Collection asks that we stick to dry materials only.

Janet's number for the day is 07815 772857. Janet has drawn there in the past and it is a good destination with lots of possibilities.

Visit to St Bartholomew the Great, Smithfield on Tuesday 24 January

Eight IAS members and friends assembled in St Bartholomew the Great and those who had not visited this stunning Norman church before were astonished that such a large and superb example of Romanesque architecture could be found in London. The church was founded in 1123 as an Augustinian monastery and was duly dissolved by Henry VIII in the 1530s—however the east end, with its stunning runs of Norman arches survived as a parish church. The later medieval lady chapel also survived, plus part of the cloisters. The building survived the great fire of London because the old priory walls remaining to the south stopped the fire moving northwards.

The church is deeply atmospheric, but demanding to draw, with all its arches and perspectives, and changing light. However, when we looked at our work after lunch in the cloister café, we found that we had all done rather well with this difficult subject.

Another visit would be worthwhile, but we must remember to get to the café early, before supplies run out! A summer visit would enable people to sketch the arch of Smithfields, which is visible from the road outside the church, and a selection of interesting old pubs and houses.

January's sketching outing is on Tuesday 24th

Our next outing is on Tuesday 24 January at 11 am to Great Saint Barthlomews Church, Cloth Fair, London EC1A 7JQ. I have confirmed the visit with the office. There is a small entrance charge for non-worshippers but we should get the group rate so ask on the door. Oil paints are not allowed (but I don't think anyone was expecting to use them), easels are allowed but please be careful. There is a cloister café.

Barts is the oldest church in London and is absolutely stunning. It is located near to Smithfield in a quiet corner, the entrance is through an arch. Last time I was there I saw a Damien Hirst golden statue of St Bartholomew displaying his flayed skin! In spite of this challenge, Barts is a very special place.

We hope to see as many of you there as possible. Janet's mobile number for the day is 07815 772857.

New Year's outing to the Museum of London

Ten IAS members and guests met at the Museum of London in The Barbican for an early January outing. The Museum of London is always a good venue with wonderful displays of fantastic craftsmanship and a good retreat on a cold day. We all worked hard and then met in the cafe to compare drawings and of course have a sandwich lunch. An excellent start to 2017.

For the next outing we plan to go to Saint Bartholomew the Great in Smithfield and we will confirm details and date on the blog. There is a £5 entrance fee for non-worshippers, but it should be well worth it.