Fashion Illustration inspired by Norman Hartnell

Discover the artistry behind Sir Norman Hartnell’s iconic fashion illustrations in this one‑day creative workshop at The King’s Gallery.

Your visit will begin with an exhibition tour with a fashion curator, focusing on fashion plates and 1950s fashion silhouettes and ornamentation. We will highlight national flower designs, including the rose, daffodil, shamrock and thistle which ornamented many of the Queen’s ceremonial gowns. The four flowers will create our theme for the day, and participants will be encouraged to introduce personal and other national or symbolic flowers as decorative designs. 

In the morning, we will focus on shorter techniques as an introduction to experiment with figures, faces and atmospheric fashion illustration techniques of the era. Learn to elongate the figure, and to create a simplified elegant face. Learn how to use water colour pencils effectively for illustration to show tone and depth, and to express texture and decoration. This session will include working with varied mediums and papers in the style of the 1950s illustrators. 

12.30-1.30 – Lunch and revisit the exhibition 

In the afternoon session, we will turn to longer techniques working with your drawings on cartridge paper and using soluble watercolour pencils you will create 2 full body A3 illustrations which showcase embellishments, textures and focused fashion details. You will be encouraged to create your own figures, but templates are available. 

Some drawing skill is recommended, all materials will be provided.

Practical Information

Students are asked to arrive at 9:30am for a highlights tour of the exhibition. The course itself will then begin at 10:00am.

Tea/coffee will be provided during a short break in the morning. Please bring a packed lunch and any drinks you may require during the day. We will have a lunch break at approximately 1pm-1.30pm.

Ticketholders will also be free to visit the exhibition after the course until the Gallery closes at 5:30pm.

About your Tutors

Amy de la Haye is a dress historian and curator. She has contributed an essay exploring Queen Elizabeth’s style in relation to the UK’s fashion and textiles industries. Giles Pearson is a London based fashion designer and educator with featured work in Vogue and Elle magazine UK