New bursary worth up to £14,000 for young sculptors at The Heatherley School of Fine Art, Chelsea

The rising cost of student tuition fees has left many young adults unsure as to whether they can afford to follow their dreams of a college education. The Heatherley School of Fine Art has been instructing artists since 1845 and is one of the oldest independent art schools in the country, still retaining a focus on the traditional and figurative. Concerned that young artists today are often unable to access this type of training, Heatherleys is offering a bursary worth up to £14,000 to enable a promising student under 25 to attend its two year Sculpture Diploma.

Kensington and Chelsea has always taken pride in its artistic heritage. A pantheon of world renowned artists made this beautiful area their home, from Turner through to Whistler to Eduardo Paolozzi. Now that the Chelsea College of Art has relocated to Pimlico, the Heatherley School of Fine Art remains the last art school in the borough. It has recently moved to a purpose-built new premises on Lots Road, and benefits from spacious well-lit studios for painting and drawing. There are also workshops for printmakers, sculptors and ceramicists.

The human figure is the inspiration for much of the work undertaken at Heatherleys. Students on the Sculpture Diploma work directly from the model, investigating the portrait and human anatomy through drawing and clay modelling. As the course develops it goes on to cover both wood and stone carving, metal working and casting. The ratio of tutors to students at Heatherleys is high, ensuring that everyone receives intensive one-to-one attention. The aim is to educate the student in the technical and traditional skills of the sculptor. From this solid base they are then encouraged to find their own vision and artistic language with which to explore contemporary practice.

There is vocational advice on how to develop professional careers and many former students have gone on to establish their own studios after graduation, win national prizes and secure prestigious commissions. Notable amongst these is Aleix Barbat, who completed the Bronze Woman statue in Stockwell Memorial Gardens. Others choose to go on to further study at other colleges at graduate and post graduate level. There are also strong links with the Royal British Society of Sculptors and The Society of Portrait Sculptors, who act as visiting lecturers and external assessors for the course.

The bursary is designed to support a student between the ages of 18-25 with budding talent and a desire to learn. Applications are welcomed from school leavers, foundation level students, as well as the pre- and post-graduate level. For more information please contact the school office who will be pleased to answer queries and arrange interview dates. Completed submissions should be received by June 1^st 2011.