Life Drawing Becomes a Lifeline

Textile designer Anya, Class of 2010, co-founded Brixton Life Drawing in December 2019 as a local initiative to bring more art opportunities to their community. Before the pandemic their popular in person events would attract around 50 people. Since going online this number has risen to 1,500 people taking part each week from all over the world. 

During lockdown the classes have been having a massive impact on the mental health of those taking part, providing community and purpose for those who are feeling isolated and alone. The easy accessibility of the class also means that people are joining who wouldn’t be able to attend a physical event, for example those who are registered blind, recovering from strokes, suffering from chronic illness or too anxious to attend in person.

With attendees paying what they can the classes are able to raise money for a different charity every month. To date the total raised is over £10,000, with January’s donation going to The Captain Tom Foundation.

Brixton Life Drawing has been featured in The Guardian, The Independent, Time Out (ranking the classes as number 2 for things to do online over lockdown), The Evening Standard and The Metro. 

We caught up with Anya about how her passion for art is rooted in her time at CHS:

“I only discovered my love of art through my wonderful teachers at Cheadle Hulme School - there's no way I would have pursued art beyond GCSE if it wasn't for Mr Yearsley. Since my first day in year 7, art quickly became my favourite subject thanks to him. He was so supportive, kind and encouraging. Later into my CHS years, Miss Craig joined as the Textiles teacher- and my love of Textiles began. I ended up doing Textiles at University and my whole career would probably have taken on a different path if it wasn't for her. She is such an amazing teacher - and so inspirational.

Equally, I was always very shy and quiet throughout my time at Cheadle Hulme School. I became involved in Model United Nations and Mrs Evans really was such an important figure for me both during my school days and beyond - there are few teachers throughout my time at school that have made such an impact. She helped me gain the confidence I have today - from standing up in front of 20 students to presenting Life Drawing classes to thousands of people from across the world.”

So, if you’re looking for something to do during the lockdown - why not give life drawing a try?

Want to find out more?

Listen to Anya talking on Vanessa Feltz’s BBC Radio London show about their online classes (listen from 1:40).

Follow @BrixtonLifeDrawing on Instagram.