Southwark sixth-formers visit Borough Road Gallery

The students explored several subjects and created their own works, inspired by the collection of works by David Bomberg and his associates which have been donated to the university by Sarah Rose.

"The opportunity to work directly from the collection in a university environment provided a stimulating environment very different from school," said Sue Mullholland, head of art at St Saviour's and St Olave's School.

"It also introduced students to university life and the opportunities available at LSBU.

"An initial talk about the collection by Borough Road Gallery curator Rachel Fleming-Mulford provided a solid context and intriguing insight into not only the work but also the life and character of David Bomberg."

Artist Bruce Ingram invited the students to take a closer look at two works: Bomberg's 'Flowers Rhythm' and Dorothy Mead's 'Vase of Flowers (2)'. Inspired by these the students created their own still-life work using graphite and pastels and then cutting these up to create their own collages.

"Working in this manner provided a rare and privileged situation for both myself a teacher and the students, allowing an intimate and close-up inspection of techniques," explained Ingram.

"Working with the gallery curator provided an in-depth understanding of history and concept in the works."

Architectural drawing was the theme for the second day with the students making large expressive drawings in charcoal inspired by the work of Dennis Creffield, Edna Mann and David Bomberg. The afternoon gave them the opportunity to try life drawing, following in the footsteps of David Bomberg's art students who studied at LSBU (then Borough Polytechnic) in the 1940s and 1950s.

On the final day the students made imaginary landscapes from newspaper and magazine collage which they then worked over with a range of media.

One student said: "My artwork is usually mathematically precise when drawing what I see and I've learnt to be a bit more 'loose' and how to capture the essence of something."

"The variety and strength of the students' work was evident," said gallery curator Rachel Fleming-Mulford. "It was clear that they had taken great inspiration from the collection."

Borough Road Gallery's next show – David Bomberg: Objects of Collection – opens on 13 September.