This exhibition at Batley Art Gallery presented work drawn from the collections of the National Arts Education Archive, based at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. It reflected the nature of teaching and learning through drawing from the late 19th century through the 20th century.

Drawing has informed, and continues to inform, understanding and practice in art. The making of marks in illustration, recording and analysis constitutes a fundamental and distinctive language. The examples on show at Batley Art Gallery provided an intriguing, informative and stimulating insight into the different ways in which ‘language’ has been used by children and students over the past 100 years. They were indicative of particular teaching methods and attitudes – from instrumental instruction, to the recognition of ‘child art’, the ‘continuing process’ ideas of visual education and the move towards the inclusive rationale of the Campaign for Drawing.

The exhibition was supported by a series of presentations, seminars and workshops in association with the YSP and the Campaign for Drawing.