Year 12 Art Historian competes at prestigious public speaking competition
On Monday 8th February 2010, Emily Craig, Year 12, represented St Leonards-Mayfield School at the ARTiculation Prize semi-final, a public speaking competition for art historians organised by Cambridge University and the New Art Centre.
Emily had to give a 10 minute presentation on a work of art of her choice, and selected Millais’ Ophelia which she had seen on the department’s visit to Tate Britain in November. Emily’s research discovered the popularity of Ophelia as a subject in Victorian art as well as on the stage. The judge, Michael Harrison, director of Kettle’s Yard Gallery, Cambridge, awarded Emily the third prize and praised her for prompting the audience to think in new directions about a familiar work.
Mrs Weddell commented “This is the first year the school has entered this competition and I was very pleased with Emily’s performance. Emily’s presentation had a good balance of academic research and personal enthusiasm, which she communicated well in her delivery. The department will be entering the competition again next year as this kind of opportunity is invaluable for the girls.”
The judge, Michael Harrison, director of Kettle’s Yard Gallery, Cambridge, awarded Emily the third prize and praised her for prompting the audience to think in new directions about a familiar work.
