The Fifties Art Students of St. Martins

The Fifties Art Students of St. Martins: A Glimpse into Cultural Metamorphosis

Embark on a captivating journey with Carole Steyn, a 1950s art student, as she shares her enriching experiences at St. Martins Art School, Charing Cross (1956-1958), witnessing the transformative social and cultural changes in 1950s London.

Key Details:

Age Group: Year 12 students and adults
Subjects: English, Social History, Art & Design, Citizenship
Resource Type: Research resource
Format: 5 pages in PDF and Word document
Content Highlights:

Personal Reflections: Carole Steyn offers a personal and reflective account of her time at St. Martins Art School, capturing the essence of an era marked by cultural evolution.
Fashion and Identity: The cover image featuring Carole’s favorite dress serves as a gateway to explore the influence of fashion on identity, with a nod to Brigitte Bardot’s impact on gingham’s popularity.
Teen Culture Emergence: Carole’s candid narration delves into the emergence of teen culture, a phenomenon that puzzled older generations, including her parents.
Historical Context: The resource provides historical context, offering insights into British popular culture during the 1950s and its impact on the arts scene.
Educational Significance:

Holistic Learning: A valuable resource for Year 12 students and adults, facilitating holistic learning by intertwining art, history, and cultural studies.
Citizenship Exploration: Encourages exploration of citizenship concepts through the lens of cultural change, fostering critical thinking about identity and societal shifts.
Discussion Starter: Serves as a compelling discussion starter for English classes, prompting dialogue on the intersection of art, fashion, and societal perceptions.
Visual Appeal: The inclusion of Carole’s favorite dress as the cover image adds a visually appealing element, engaging learners with the aesthetics of the period.
Conclusion: “The Fifties Art Students of St. Martins” provides a vivid snapshot of an era through Carole Steyn’s eyes, enriching learners’ understanding of the interconnectedness of art, culture, and societal change. It serves as an insightful resource for educators seeking to offer a nuanced exploration of 1950s British popular culture in an educational setting.

Extract from the book Hanging Out by Lorna Holder