'Phoenix and Unicorn' Exhibition and In Conversation with Anne Desmet RA

'Phoenix and Unicorn' previewed on 19 September and is now open for visits by appointment until 17 October. The exhibition explores the work of alumnus Thomas Sturge Moore (1870-1944). Sturge Moore was a wood-engraver, poet, playwright, designer, and writer on art and aesthetics. In response to Surge Moore’s legacy and his alma mater, Dulwich College, past and present, seven bespoke engravings have been commissioned from artists. Central to the exhibition is the work of our pupils who earlier this year took part in workshops led by Anne Desmet RA. Anne has been instrumental in reviving wood engraving amongst our pupils, who have been applying their own contemporary edge to this traditional skill.

An exhibition in three parts - History, Revival and Living - History led us to the second stage of the evening where we celebrated the commissioned window in the Lower Hall designed and make by Helen Whittaker. This commission ran parallel to the David Hockney window at Westminster Abbey which Helen also worked on with Barley Studios. Our focus is to put boys at the centre of these creative ventures and eight of our students who made their own stained glass ‘roundels’ in workshops with Helen focusing on our 400 years, exhibited alongside Helen's work for the evening.

The third stage of this celebration of the arts took us to the Great Hall. Positioned beneath the very window and ceiling details included in her commissioned print, an atmospheric In Conversation took place between Anne Desmet RA and Jenny Scott, Sackler Director of the Dulwich Picture Gallery. They took us on a journey ‘coming into the light’ exploring how Anne works in both a traditional way whilst embracing innovative practice and skill.

For more information about the 'Phoenix and Unicorn' exhibition please contact Sue Mulholland, Director of Art and Design at Dulwich College, at mulhollandsm@dulwich.org.uk