As part of our annual Take One Picture programme, primary schools from across the UK have responded creatively to ‘A Shipwreck in Stormy Seas’ by Claude-Joseph Vernet.
The painting shows a dramatic seascape with two merchant ships struggling against the howling wind. The storm has rolled in so suddenly that there has been no time for the lighthouse to be lit, but a break in the clouds gives hope that it might disappear as quickly as it arrived.
This exhibition showcases children’s creative responses to the painting, ranging from crashing waves and voyaging ships, to tea-stained diaries and imaginative dance performances. Their projects make links between art and subjects across the curriculum such as history, science, geography and literacy.
This year’s exhibition features works from 40 primary schools across the country, and has been designed in collaboration with children.
Past exhibition
Take One Picture 2023
13 July ‒ 8 October 2023
Admission free
Sunley Room
Artwork by children aged 4–11 from Headley Park Primary School, St James’s Roman Catholic Primary School, and Snaresbrook Primary School
Take One Picture is generously supported by Columbia Threadneedle Foundation
Sponsored by
With additional support from the John Armitage Charitable Trust
The Sunley Room exhibition programme is supported by the Bernard Sunley Foundation
Exhibition highlights
Find out more
Take One Picture 2023
Explore the exhibition
Look inside the exhibition and see how children were inspired by ‘A Shipwreck in Stormy Seas’
About Take One Picture
All you need to know about our Take One Picture programme and exhibitions
Teachers' notes
Handy resources for teachers about our Take One Picture focus paintings