King Edward’s School, Bath has agreed a new two-year partnership with the Holburne Museum, strengthening links between the independent school and one of the city’s best-loved cultural institutions.
The partnership will support the Holburne’s Learning and Engagement programme, helping to expand creative opportunities for local children and young people who face barriers to accessing arts and culture.
It will also create new learning experiences for pupils at King Edward’s School, including the chance to study artworks up close and hear directly from artists and museum professionals.
The Holburne’s exhibition programme will form a key part of this collaboration. Pupils will be able to engage with photography by Don McCullin in the spring, Post-Impressionist prints in the summer and paintings by early 20th century British artists, including Eric Ravilious, in the autumn.
Dr Chris Stephens, Director of the Holburne Museum (pictured above with Martin Boden, Headmaster of King Edward’s), said, “We are delighted that King Edward’s School share our belief that creativity is vital to wellbeing. With their support, we can continue to grow our Learning and Engagement programme, encouraging local schools and communities to take part in creative activity.”
The Holburne is an independent charity and does not receive core public funding. It relies on donations, partnerships and local support to deliver its work.
Since 2021, the museum has built long-term relationships with six partner schools in Bath and the surrounding area, including Three Ways School, Widcombe Junior School and St Michael’s Junior Church School.
Through this programme, the Holburne aims to reduce inequalities in access to creative and cultural experiences by offering free opportunities for children and their wider school communities to engage with the museum.
Martin Boden, Headmaster of King Edward’s School, said, “We are delighted to deepen our relationship with the Holburne Museum through this new partnership. It will enrich learning across our whole school and help the Holburne continue to offer free access to its collection for local school children.”
Ed Hume-Smith, Head of Art and Photography at King Edward’s Senior School, said, “Partnering with the Holburne will give pupils first-hand encounters with exceptional artworks and conversations with artists and curators. This will deepen their skills, understanding and ambition.”
The partnership will also include a public event next month, when King Edward’s School musicians and guests gather at the Holburne for the annual Holburne Soloists’ Concert in the Picture Gallery.
