This is the second time I have led this trip to the V&A, both times on Red Nose Day. Reaching Kensington and returning to Winchester is always a tall order, but as I write this as we are pressing back to Winchester to return the Year 7s to school so that any participants can demonstrate their unique skill(s) in Pilgrim’s Got Talent.

The format for the day is both groups have a workshop with an educator from the V&A; the boys not only really enjoyed the content, but they were excellent ambassadors for the school – eloquent, inquisitive, and obedient.  Whilst one group was in the workshop, the other group had the chance to visit a small amount of the impressive collections – we stopped at the Design 1900 to Now exhibition; had a chance to explore the costume and musical pieces; and view the vast jewellery display.  Each exhibition offering something different to inspire the boys.

Don’t tell the boys, but I think they enjoyed the day much more than they thought they would, because these were some of the words they used to describe the trip at lunch, “Wonderful highly detailed designs.” “Superb!” “Impressive!” “Worth the long journey” “Timeless.”

My thanks to Miss Skeels, Mr Cuyler, and Mr Darlow for their invaluable help on the day.

Alex Armstrong
Head of D&T