Paris Study Trip 2010; Photography, Art, Textiles and Media Studies.

Paris harbours the Arts in every corner, on every bridge and within every austere building. Nestled in central France on the river Seine, our study trip proved to be an inspirational, informative, and collaborative journey for all involved. Paris is, and always has been, the subject of artists, filmmakers, photographers, textiles designers, writers and musicians. The students were exposed to original pieces by grand masters such as Monet, Van Gogh and Da Vinci. They also experienced the culture and ethos of the Parisian Art Scene and by proxy of that started to develop an understanding of French culture itself.

The trip allowed our students to relate their subjects of study to an immense, productive and financially viable city founded on trading the produce of artisans. They experienced first hand the employment the arts and media industry creates. The work they undertook whilst in Paris supported their research for exams through exposure to rare antiquities and primary source material.

Paris is a unique place to photograph due to its lighting, reflections, river, aesthetics and buildings. It is challenging, austere and unique. It has long been the subject of painters, sculptures and print makers and is host to a plethora of fashions designers. The couture houses of Paris are regarded in high esteem and world-renowned. Paris has its own film festival, and has been the venue for many films, dramas and plays.

Whilst in Paris the 21 students and 3 staff members visited arguably the most prestigious set of galleries France has to offer, Musee d’Orsay, Musee dy Louvre, and Centre Pompidou. They also visited the Basilica Sacre Coeur, Montmartre, Notre Dame cathedral, and Parc du Champs de Mars which is home to the famous Eiffel tower. The consensus was that the trip was a unique, informative, and incredible experience from which we all developed a love of the city and it’s Arts. A selection of photographs are available in the gallery below, taken by Su Conroy.