The Serpentine Gallery, London, which is showing an exhibition of Rachel Whiteread’s work, has combined with the Royal Society of Arts to give students from two Westminster secondary schools - Grey Coat Hospital and Quintin Kynaston - the opportunity to participate in Art on a Plinth. They have taken part in eight practical workshops, led by artists Hannah Bryan and Ben Johnson. The results can be seen next Friday afternoon at the RSA, John Adam Street, London WC2. These, as well as lesson plans developed during the project, will be available on the National Grid for Learning. RSA: 020 7451 6869.
There are 13 Vermeers in the Vermeer and the Delft Schoolnbsp;exhibition at the National Gallery, which are seen in the context of other painters of Delft. Pieter de Hooch’s geometric courtyards and interiors are well known, but for me the revelation of this exhibition was Carel Fabritius, a pupil of Rembrandt. Only nine of his works survive and four are shown here. They are earthy, direct, subtle and full of life, including two self-portraits which gaze frankly at the spectator. There is a programme of study days and lectures. For a booking for 12 or more, including a slide lecture, 020 7747 2888. Information: 020 7747 2885, www.nationalgallery.org.uk
