As the Principal of Hampstead School of Art (HSoA), Isabel Langtry is not only shaping the future of art education but also leaving her mark on the world with her public sculptures, with sculpture pieces across the world, from Chile to China for the 2008 olympic games.
“Art learning should be possible for absolutely everyone,” Langtry asserts, reflecting on her role at HSoA. Her commitment to inclusivity is evident in the school’s diverse offerings, from family classes to sessions for their oldest student, a 94-year-old stone carver. The school’s ethos of community engagement is further reinforced by providing bursaries for those unable to afford fees, embodying the belief that art should transcend financial barriers.
Langtry’s philosophy extends beyond the classroom walls. “Public sculpture is about making art accessible in public spaces where people don’t have to pay for it,” she explains. Her work, such as the mosaic-covered ‘Pop’ in Berkeley Square, London, not only brightens the day of passersby but also inspires creativity and thoughtfulness. This approach aligns with recent studies, including one by NASA, which concluded that every human being is inherently creative, a trait often stifled by systematic undervaluation in education.
Born into an international family, with roots stretching from Havana to northern Spain, and a childhood spent in Lagos, Langtry’s global perspective is deeply ingrained in her work. Her sculptures, influenced by local traditions and environments, aim to reflect and enhance their settings, as seen in her ‘Oxygen’ installation, which emphasises the importance of trees and repurposing discarded materials.
Langtry’s journey took her from Derbyshire to University of Hull and finally to Saint Martin’s School of Art, where she gained her teaching experience. Now, at Hampstead School of Art, she continues to uphold the values of individuality, expression, and hands-on learning that have long defined Britain’s historic art schools.
Building Dreams into Reality: Isabel Langtry’s Transformation of Hampstead School of Art
When Isabel took the helm at HSoA, she was met with a challenge that would daunt many: revitalising a school that had seen better days. “I found a school that had fallen into the doldrums,” Langtry recalls. The institution, once started by local artists including Henry Moore, was in a state of decline, housed in dilapidated accommodation and with a student cohort of merely 260.
Langtry’s vision was clear and her determination resolute. She embarked on a mission to not only increase the student body but to also rebuild the school’s very foundations—literally. “We now have over 1000 learning places a week and a state-of-the-art building which belongs to us,” she proudly states. The journey was arduous, involving negotiations with the local council and builders, but the result is a testament to her perseverance: a new home for art, designed by the brilliant architects Allies and Morrison, complete with a beautiful community garden.
The garden is graced by one of Langtry’s own sculptures, serving as a daily reminder of the school’s ethos and the role public art plays in community engagement. “It’s become the meeting point, a living example of what public sculpture can contribute,” she explains.
Under Langtry’s leadership, the school has grown exponentially, from a staff of two to over 50, and has become a bustling hub of creativity and learning. Her open-door policy and the school’s active involvement in local events like the Hampstead Summer Festival exemplify the deep connection between the school and the community. “We planted 1000 bulbs in the garden, it’s the kind of thing that art schools do when they’re at the centre of the community,” she says, highlighting the school’s role in fostering both practical support and inspiration.
The success of HSoA’s students, who often receive their first choice of universities, speaks volumes about the quality of education and preparation they receive. With full-time students enjoying permanent studio space and an impressive 18 hours of tutor time each week, the school’s commitment to nurturing talent is unparalleled.
The Future of Hampstead School of Art
The HSoA Principal has not only transformed the institution but also nurtured a vision for its future and the broader community. “What we need are new ideas, people from different backgrounds… who drive different ways of thinking,” Langtry asserts, drawing attention to the school’s role in fostering creativity and innovation.
The school’s legacy, as Langtry envisions, extends beyond its current success. With plans to open a second art school in the capital, she aims to create more opportunities for creativity, especially in disenfranchised communities. “We need more opportunity to be creative, not less,” she insists, highlighting the importance of art education in society.
Langtry’s commitment to inclusivity is evident in the school’s approach to education. From providing bursaries for homeless individuals to integrating classes, Hampstead School of Art goes above and beyond in their role as a community art education facility. “Bringing people together from different spheres who wouldn’t normally meet each other, it’s about making that possible,” she explains.
As the school flourishes, so does its impact on the students and the community. Langtry’s dedication to the school’s growth and her belief in the transformative power of art ensure that Hampstead School of Art’s legacy will continue to inspire and shape art education whilst drawing attention to its importance.
