Christmas 2017/18

John Webb writes: I make two cakes each year - one for us, one for my wife's cousin.  Each year decoration is a challenge but last Christmas' USk London at the V&A looking down to the Ice Rink at the Natural History Museum has come to the rescue.

Thank you Urban Sketchers - and Happy Christmas everyone!

Christmas 2017/18

Let's draw at the RAF Museum, Hendon - Saturday 16 February 2019

Our venue this month is the Royal Air Force Museum, in Hendon. The museum tells the history of military aviation from before the RAF was founded in 1918 through to modern times, with a look forward into the uncertain future needs. It provides the opportunity to draw the buildings (both new and some of the original Hendon Aerodrome buildings) exhibits and visitors.

There is no charge for the event, and no need to book, just turn up with your drawing gear.

Meeting points and times

11 am:  We will meet in the museum’s main entrance area which is in Hangar H1 under the starboard (right) wing of the Sunderland flying boat (picture below). This is to the left as you enter.

1 pm:  We will meet there again at lunch at 1pm and look at sketches done so far. There is a café there too.

3.30 pm:  Finally, we will meet there again to look at sketches done and take photographs.

Thence using the café for post sketching conviviality and sketchbook sharing.

Options for sketching

The museum is on part of the old Hendon Aerodrome.  It is a large area with the exhibits in six hangars (3, 4 and 5 in the old main building, pictured above). Whilst the exhibits which dominate are the aircraft, there is a huge variety of other items from small models, medals, uniforms, cars to a couple of boats.

Hangar 1 - the first 100 years

Hangar 2 - The First World War

Hangars 3, 4, 5 - War in the air including all the iconic fighters and bombers (Spitfire, Lancaster, Vulcan) and lots more

Hangar 6 - The RAF in an age of uncertainty

Practical information

Entry to the museum is free. Expect a bag search on entry where you can collect a useful map (suggested donation of £1 or print from their web site free). The museum has not given us any rules about art materials which can be used, but please be cautious when using anything that might spill, splash or crumble. Be aware also that you will be drawing among many visitors, so try not to cause an obstruction.

Getting to the museum is quick and easy - just 30 minutes from Central London by Tube, and a seven minute 303 bus ride from Colindale Underground Station.

By road the museum is only 30 minutes from Central London. Follow the brown and white tourist signs from M25, M1 (Junction 4 Southbound), A41, A5 and North Circular (A406) roads.

There is parking on site, parking charges apply (£3 for 3 hours, £4 for 3 – 6 hours).  The postcode NW9 5QW will direct you to the small industrial estate that is located next to the Museum.  Their web site notes that during periods of high demand such as the school holidays and weekends this can fill up very quickly. We would therefore suggest that during such times that you leave your car at home and use public transport.

There are toilets and several cafés in the museum buildings.

The museum’s website has further information. 

The day is run by John Webb and Philip Stones.  The photographs and sketch of the Blériot are by John Webb.

Let's draw at the RAF Museum, Hendon - Saturday 16 February 2019

We drew at the British Museum - December 2018

Urban Sketchers London drew at the British Museum on Saturday 15 December 2018.  We explored the museum collections, tackled the challenge of drawing the museum's spectacular glass roof, and sketched some of the many visitors.  On a cold, wet day, we also discovered urban sketching luxury - the museum's Great Court has underfloor heating!

In the afternoon, some of the group also visited the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology in nearby Malet Place; the sketch below is by Isabel Carmona.

Our next meet-up is Sunday 27 January 2019, when we will draw at the Barbican.  We hope to see you there.

Photographs are by Isabel Carmona, Nicky Browne and Jo Dungey.

We drew at the British Museum - December 2018