Beyond Victory: Drawing Workshop
Artist reporter George Butler leads a drawing workshop in St Catherine’s Garden, part of the Abbey which sustained significant damage in the Second World War.
It is difficult to imagine that in the midst of the Second World War, some of the most beautiful parts of Westminster Abbey were turned to rubble after being hit by German bombs. Today, most of these spaces have been restored and only glimpses of the damage remain in the most unlikely places.
Take the opportunity to draw some of the Abbey’s damaged spaces under the guidance of artist reporter George Butler. George has spent 15 years drawing conflict zones around the world and will bring his experience of capturing scenes of destruction and the stories that surround them to the now tranquil surroundings of the Abbey.
For the first hour of the session, participants will be able to take an after-hours self-guided walk around Westminster Abbey, sketch book in hand. From 6.30pm onwards, the session will begin in our Chapter House before moving on to the usually private St Catherine’s Garden.
St Catherine’s Garden contains the ruins 12th century chapel, revealed after a building on this site was destroyed during the Second World War.
About George Butler
George Butler is an award-winning illustrator but has reinvented the role of the Artist Reporter drawing conflict zones, climate issues, humanitarian crisis and social issues for the news. His drawings are done in situ - in pen, ink and watercolour. Over the last 15 years George has been commissioned to offer a deliberately slow alternative to the headlines. He attaches his drawings to the personal testimonies of those that he meets and records their resolve and resilience alongside the vulnerability of their situations. He has drawn around the world in countries such as Syria, Ukraine, Nepal, Myanmar and Yemen.
His drawings have been published by The Times (London), Monocle, New York Times, the Guardian, SZ Magazine, VQR, BBC, CNN, Der Spiegel, ARD television (Germany) and NPR. His work has been shown in the Imperial War Museum North, Lambeth Palace and is in collection at the V&A Museum and the National Army Museum.
In 2014, with three friends, George set up Action Syria (formerly Hands Up Foundation). The aim was to remind the people they had met in Syria that they had not been forgotten. Action Syria supports salaries of professionals inside Syria and has to date raised £7.8 million.
Ticketing information
The ticket includes entry into Westminster Abbey. You will have the opportunity to go around the Abbey at the start of the workshop.
This workshop has a maximum capacity of 15 spaces.
Age suitability
This event is for adults and young people over the age of 16, please see our family pages for information and events to explore this theme as a family.Meeting location
The tour will meet at the West Doors of Westminster Abbey.
Access and security
Please have your ticket ready to show our staff (either printed or on your mobile phone).
On your arrival, your bag will be searched and we ask you not to bring any large items with you (for example suitcases, large backpacks or folding bicycles) as these will not be allowed inside and we are unable to store them for you.
The Abbey is committed to creating inclusive and accessible events for all. If you have any access requirements or questions about your visit, please contact us when booking. [email protected]
Filming and photography
Please note that filming and sound recording are not permitted at the Abbey. See our photography policy for more information.
Beyond Victory season
This event is part of the Beyond Victory season. On VE - or Victory in Europe - Day in May 1945, Westminster Abbey hosted thanksgiving services every hour, welcoming an estimated 25,000 people. Join us this May and June as we unpack life beyond victory, with a season of events about rebuilding society and the legacy of conflict.
