Experiences
The 5 Best Life Drawing Classes in London
Classical ateliers, sociable drink-and-draw nights and the odd cheeky hen do: London's best life drawing.
In short: our top picks are Hesketh Hubbard Art Society, The Royal Drawing School and London Fine Art Studios. 5 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
Life drawing in London ranges from hushed classical ateliers to sociable drink-and-draw nights, and it is a surprisingly good way to spend an evening, drawing ability entirely optional. The Hesketh Hubbard society is the city’s largest, the Royal Drawing School brings serious teaching, and the sociable sessions turn it into a night out. It is a calm, absorbing thing to do, and no one is judging your proportions. Bring your own materials to the drop-ins, or turn up to a hosted session where everything is provided.
| Place | Area |
|---|---|
| Hesketh Hubbard Art Society | |
| The Royal Drawing School | Shoreditch |
| London Fine Art Studios | Battersea |
| Candid Arts Trust | Angel |
| Butlers in the Buff | Central London |
-
Editor’s choice
Hesketh Hubbard Art Society
Why we pick itLondon's largest life-drawing society, weekly sessions at the Mall Galleries near Trafalgar Square.
life-drawing society
-
The Royal Drawing School
Why we pick itThe Prince's Foundation drawing school running life-drawing classes and drop-ins in Shoreditch.
drawing school
-
London Fine Art Studios
Why we pick itA traditional Battersea atelier running drop-in life-drawing sessions in a classical studio setting.
classical atelier
-
Candid Arts Trust
Why we pick itSociable weekly life-drawing sessions in a bohemian Angel arts space, popular and unstuffy.
sociable life drawing
-
Butlers in the Buff
Why we pick itCheeky male-model life-drawing sessions built for hen parties, hosted in bars across central London.
hen-party life drawing
Before you book
Drop-in sessions are usually pay-on-the-door and unhurried, while taught classes and hosted socials need booking ahead. Some ateliers expect you to bring your own materials, so check before you go. The sociable and hen-party sessions include a model and materials and lean more towards a night out than a lesson.
Common questions
What are the top picks in this guide?
Hesketh Hubbard Art Society is our editor's choice: London's largest life-drawing society, weekly sessions at the Mall Galleries near Trafalgar Square. Hesketh Hubbard Art Society, The Royal Drawing School and London Fine Art Studios lead the guide, with 5 places in total, all chosen on merit.
How does Lamplit London choose its recommendations?
Every place is chosen on merit, after first-hand visits where possible, with no pay-for-placement. Read our full method at https://www.lamplitlondon.com/how-we-choose/.
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