‘The Turps Summer School will offer painters ‘at the elbow’ conversations from their mentors. “At the elbow” differs from the typical 1-2-1 tutorials as roving mentors will walk and talk amongst the group as they make work giving immediate advice and feedback. This approach, and the down-to-earth atmosphere of the large light airy studio, is designed to create a more harmonised and motivating group energy’
– Marcus Harvey

Turps Summer School is a new opportunity for up to 10 painters to work alongside each other at Turps Art School in summer 2025. Painters will receive 1-2-1 mentoring and feedback, group crits, painting focused talks, organised gallery visits and will culminate in a Summer School Show at Turps Gallery in early September.

OVERVIEW

• 6 weeks of studio time

• Each artist will be given a studio space with 24-hour access, 7 days a week at Turps Art School in south east London

• 1-2-1 tutorials and roving ‘by the elbow’ mentoring

• Peer-to-peer discussion and networking with fellow Turps painters. 

• 3x artist talks

• 2x group crits

• Gallery visits

• Curated End of Summer School Show at Turps Gallery

• Access to Turps & MASS Circle: an online platform for all current and former Turps/MASS artists

Dates: 23rd July 2025 – 9th September 2025

Fee for 2025 is £1,850

Application deadline: Applications for 2025 have now closed.

Address: Turps HQ, Unit 13, Taplow House, Thurlow Street, London, SE17 2UQ

Programme Leader: Scott McCracken
Mentoring Team 2025: Virginia Verran, Katrina Blannin, Matt Lippiatt, Scott McCracken
Contact: scott@turpseducation.com

What is the Turps Summer School?

Turps Summer School is a new intense programme for 8-10 painters to work together in a communal studio space at Turps Gallery in south east London during summer 2025. 

Does the summer school provide accommodation?

No, any residents who do not live in London will need to facilitate their own accommodation for the duration of the summer school.

Where and what is Turps Summer School?

Turps Summer School will take place at Turps Art School in Taplow House.   The studios are a 10-15 minute walk from Elephant & Castle Station, and close to major bus routes.  Taplow House is a brutalist residential tower block, and one of the last remaining buildings of the original Aylesbury Estate.

How much space does each painter get on the summer school?

The summer school studio is open-plan and communal. On average each painter has a space of between 150 - 180 sq ft. 

How long is the summer school?

The Summer School runs from July to September.  Please see advert for exact dates. 

How is the Summer School structured?

The Summer School is structured to prioritise making work in the studio, with around  1 month of studio time.  This is supplemented with additional days of ‘by-the-elbow’ mentoring, 1-2-1 tutorials and 1 day outside of the studio visiting London galleries.  Before the end of the residency, there is 1 week allocated to prepare and organise a group exhibition at Turps Gallery as well as a group crit led by Turps mentors. 

How many times will I see my mentor and for how long?

You will see the mentors throughout the residency on a different days. 1-2-1 tutorials last 45 minutes.  There will also be crit days led by mentors and one group crit to conclude the residency.  There will also be a day visiting London galleries organised and led by the mentors. 

What is by-the-elbow mentoring?

By-the-elbow mentoring is different from the standard 45 minute 1-2-1 tutorial as roving mentors will walk and talk amongst the group as they produce work giving immediate advice and feedback. 

What happens during the Summer School exhibition?

Artists are expected to invigilate the exhibition during agreed opening hours.  Before leaving the Summer School, the artists must tidy, repaint and empty the studios.  The work for the exhibition will be selected through conversations with the mentors/Programme Leader.  Turps will take care of organising the opening and photography/documentation.  Resident artists will be responsible for invigilating the exhibition.  The show will last a maximum of 9 days. 

Is there a workshop/technician? What materials/equipment is provided?

There is no workshop or technician at Turps. Turps will provide a table and chair to each participant, but artists are expected to bring in their own materials and equipment to make work.  Turps will also provide a basic tool kit that can be shared between artists. 

How many days am I expected be in the studio?  Can I work part-time and still do the Summer School?

The studio is available to access 7 days a week, 24 hours a day and we would expect painters to be working most days between Mon-Fri during the Summer School to get the most out of their time.  Participating on the Summer School for 7 weeks is a significant commitment. 

What is the fee?  Are there any additional costs?

The fee for the residency is £1850. No, there are no additional costs apart from the residency fee.