Second‑year Architecture, Art & Design, Graphic Design, 3D Design and Photography students from Kingston College recently embarked on an exciting study trip, with 65 learners travelling to Amsterdam and Rotterdam to support research for their Final Major Projects ahead of this year’s Summer Show.
The trip began with a journey by Eurostar, followed by a memorable golden hour canal boat tour, setting a vibrant and inspiring tone for the week. Over the following days, students explored some of Europe’s most renowned galleries and cultural spaces. Highlights included visits to the Stedelijk Museum, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and specialist photography venues such as Huis Marseille and FOAM Gallery. Students also discovered the dynamic street art scene at STRAAT Gallery and the creative hub of NDSM Wharf, gaining valuable exposure to contemporary artistic practice.
A day trip to Rotterdam extended the experience further, with visits to the Boijmans Depot, Sonneveld House, the Nieuwe Instituut, and the Foto Museum, alongside opportunities for independent exploration and photography. These varied experiences enabled students to engage directly with professional work across a wide range of disciplines, enhancing their understanding of both traditional and modern creative industries.
Reflecting on the trip, Abigail Duggan (Photography) said, “Seeing photography displayed professionally was the highlight of the trip as it gave me new inspiration for my own creative work and showed how powerful visual storytelling can be.” Meanwhile, Poppy Sedgewick (Art & Design) shared a memorable takeaway from the Van Gogh Museum: “In art one must give heart and soul, and I couldn’t agree more.”
The final morning allowed students time to explore Amsterdam independently before returning to the UK, completing a week of creativity, culture and collaboration. The trip provided valuable inspiration for students’ Final Major Projects, which will be showcased in the upcoming Summer Show.
A huge thank you goes to all students for representing the College so positively, and to the staff for their support in delivering such a rewarding and inspiring experience.
