Summer: Art at the Abbey workshops

This summer, discover the joy of drawing in a relaxed, inspiring setting. Whether you're an experienced artist or picking up a pencil for the first time, our free evening workshops invite you to sketch amid the beauty of Westminster Abbey’s gardens and cloisters. Each session is guided by a different artist, offering a fresh perspective on architecture, nature, and creativity. With all materials provided, it’s the perfect way to spend a summer evening outdoors, surrounded by history and tranquillity.

1st August – College Garden 
Join artist Jeanette Barnes in the peaceful surroundings of the Abbey Garden for a special drawing workshop inspired by the architecture of Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster, while sitting in England’s oldest garden.  

Jeanette Barnes is an award-winning artist whose work has been widely exhibited, including at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. She trained at Liverpool Polytechnic, the Royal Academy Schools, and the Royal College of Art.  

8th August – North Green 
Join artist Nikki Shaill from Originary Arts in this open-air session in the historic surroundings of the Abbey’s North Green. Nikki will encourage experimentation with composition, and perspective, helping you to develop your own creative style. 

Nikki brings over 25 years of experience creating and leading cultural workshops, projects, and events across art forms. From community storytelling and craft workshops to large-scale festivals, and gallery programmes, she has worked with leading cultural institutions across the UK.

You can learn more about Nikki and her work at https://www.originary.co.uk

15th August - Cloisters 
Join Wilson Yau for a workshop looking at the remarkable medieval architecture of Westminster Abbey through a series of different drawing activities. In pencil and pen, and using a range of simple and experimental techniques, you will be guided on how to observe and capture on paper the details, atmosphere and large-scale elements of the Abbey's historic cloisters.     

Wilson Yau is an artist and educator who specialises in teaching architectural drawing and history. He has a BA in Architecture and an MA in Design and Art in Education. For over 15 years, he has led creative workshops at leading museums and cultural organisations, including the Design Museum, Royal Institute of British Architects and Victoria & Albert Museum. 

22nd August – College Garden 
Join artist Laxmi Hussain who will guide participants through a series of warm-up exercises and longer drawing tasks, encouraging playful mark-making and observation of natural forms. With time to explore the garden independently and receive one-to-one guidance, this relaxed workshop offers you a chance to connect creatively with the landscape as the evening unfolds. 

Laxmi Hussain is a London-based artist whose work explores the body, identity, and motherhood through elegant, architectural line drawings. Trained in architecture, she brings precision and fluidity to her art, inviting viewers to engage with what is left unsaid.

You can learn more about Laxmi and her work at https://www.thislakshmi.com

Ticketing information

Summer at the Abbey

Discover Westminster Abbey in new and unexpected ways this summer. Be inspired with creative workshops, poetry, live music and hidden stories waiting to be uncovered.

This event has been made possible through the support of Westminster City Council. It is part of Inside Out Festival 2025, a season of cultural programming taking place across Westminster in August 2025.