To Teach Art - By Harman Sumray 1920-2006 - and book launch

About

“It is the one possession, above all, that I would save from a burning building, for within it is that extraordinary vision which was Harman’s philosophy of teaching.”

Isabel H Langtry, Principal at Hampstead School of Art

Guardian Obituaries 28.10.2006 

Harman originally wrote ‘To Teach Art’ as a thesis in 1973 towards a Diploma in Advanced Studies at London University. The backbone of Harman’s teaching is the belief in the importance of a structure, a ‘body of knowledge’ that can be taught; not a set of rigid rules and regulations but a set of principles, a structure that builds confidence and understanding.  

He was utterly convinced about the vital role art should play in education.

“One of our aims ought to be to make young people, on their own level, into artists. Not future professional artists, nor ‘child’ artists…but young ‘Artists’ in their own right, here and now.”

Harman was Head of Art at Broxbourne School from 1961 to 1977, where he and his colleagues established a nationally renowned department, culminating in an exhibition of children’s work at the Palace of Westminster in 1978. From 1979 to 1991 he was Chief Examiner for A Level, Art & Design at the University of London.

Harman was awarded the Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977 for his services to Art Education. All the students’ work in this book came from his time at Broxbourne School.

The book is available for purchase at: www.fast-print.net/bookshop/2154/to-teach-art

Online at Waterstones , Amazon and other outlets.

For more information please visit: http://www.harmansumray.wordpress.com

You are welcome to view the exhibition whenever you wish during library opening hours. (* Please note that on the last day of the exhibition, Saturday 9th February,  it will come down at 3pm)

Library Opening Hours
Monday  to Friday : 10am - 8pm
Saturday: 10am - 5pm *
Sunday Closed

First Floor Exhibition Space

Westminster Reference Library, 35 St Martin’s Street, London WC2H 7HP

Please note there is no wheelchair, lift or ramp access to this building