Diploma in Portraiture Diploma in Figurative Sculpture Continuing Studies   Heatherley's School of Fine Art Chelsea. Established 1845   A balance between the traditional skills and techniques of sculpture and the contemporary applications of figurative subject matter. Heatherley’s has two spacious and well-lit sculpture studios and two adjoining workshops. They provide a base for part-time study day classes and for the Diploma in Figurative Sculpture. Students of the Portrait Diploma are also able to use this facility for project work in three dimensions. Equipment and materials are provided for clay modelling, casting, carving and for constructing wood and metal. Qualified technical assistance is available. Experienced teaching staff are practising artists who are graduates of the Royal College of Art and the Slade School School of Fine Art. Students on the course regularly exhibit their work with the Society of Portrait Sculptors. The Heatherley Diploma in Figurative Sculpture offers a balance between the traditional skills and techniques of sculpture and the contemporary applications of figurative subject matter. The aim of the course is to give students a vocabulary of sculptural ideas that will enable them to develop their own programme of work by the end of the course. The human figure will be the foundation of the first stage of the course. Students will be involved in skills and ideas based on the anatomy of the human figure – with special emphasis on modelling and casting. During this phase of the course, the relationship between sculpture and other creative processes such as printmaking and photography will be developed. The importance of drawing will be stressed throughout the course. The second stage of the course begins during the latter part of the first year of study. Further casting and modelling principles will be centred around relief sculpture, with the antique considered as an inspirational source. Students will also develop their own ideas for an outdoor sculpture with attention being given to scale and materials. The third and final stage of the course begins with the second year of study. There is an intensification of technical and material processes which include casting, welding and carving in wood and stone. The aim will be to foster inventiveness and develop the confidence needed to visualise personal ideas. The final phase of the course is centred around a student-devised major project. This work is executed in any material and will be one of the principal works of the Diploma Exhibition held at the end of the course in July. Assessment and tuition The course takes place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and will be supported by personal tutorials every six weeks. Lectures and study periods out of school will be linked through seminars, and students will be required to undertake independent research projects on sculpture in London’s museums and outdoor locations. Admission requirements Applicants should be highly self-motivated and are asked to bring a portfolio of recent work for an interview. As well as examples of three dimensional work, there should also be evidence of drawing ability and an awareness of contemporary art and design issues. Whilst completion of an art foundation course would be desirable, a sustained commitment to non-vocational classes and courses would also be regarded as acceptable experience. Assessment and tuition Studio tuition will be supported by a personal tutorial every six weeks. Lectures and study periods out of school will be linked through seminars, and students will be required to produce written work. There are two assessment stages during the course with the award of the Heatherley Diploma in Portraiture being dependent on a satisfactory second-year final assessment. The student will produce a body of work containing both course projects and ones devised personally. Tutors on the course include members of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters and National Portrait Gallery, John Player and BP award winners. Students frequently exhibit at the Royal Portrait Society Show and at the National Portrait Gallery exhibition.