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Dr. Samuel Johnson, the writer of the first English Dictionary, is most famous for his quote: “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” The quote continues to say: “For London has all that life has to offer.” While many Londoners recite the first part, it is the second that is most accurate, profound, and even actionable. London definitely has all that life has to offer, particularly in the realm of learning. You can learn just about anything in this city, for there are classes and courses that cover all subjects and hobbies. We look at the incredible array of places to learn and delightful subjects to master. From a short lesson over a few hours to courses lasting a few weeks, you will be amazed at the offering that learning in London has to offer.


Art


Boasting incredible museums and galleries full of art, London is a mega-centre for creativity. Of course, finding an art class is probably the easiest thing you can look up, but you may not be aware of some of the foundations and diplomas on offer at high- calibre institutes. Art Academy London (www.artacademy.org.uk) is the independ- ent art school in Southwark offering BA Hons in Fine Art, Foundation Diplomas, 1–Fine Art Foundation and 2–year Certificate courses. Drop-in drawing classes are on offer at London Drawing (www.londondrawing.com). Fancy an oil painting class at the Royal Academy? Why, that seems perfect considering all the mas- ters have had their works of art on display here (www.royalacademy.org.uk). Be it metal, moulds or wax, you’ll feel the per- fect form at London Sculpture Workshop (www.londonsculptureworkshop.org).


Beekeeping


David Attenborough recently said that if the bees die, humans will only have four years to live. If the thought of this scares you, then take that fear and put it into ac- tion! London Honey Co. (www.thelondon- honeycompany.co.uk) offers taster and long-term beekeeping courses. Te Bee Barn (www.beebarn.org.uk) go beyond bee- keeping training, with gardening and cob oven construction classes. Wimbledon Beekeepers Association (www.wimble- donbeekeepers.co.uk) and London Beekeepers Association (www.lbka.org.uk) offer membership and courses, along with information on where to buy the best equipment.


4 FOCUS The Magazine September/October 2018 City Lit


Founded by the London County Council in 1919, City Lit (www.citylit.ac.uk) is an adult education centre boasting the largest offering of courses in Europe. Partially funded and listed as a charity, you can enrol in a course at a reasonable price. Courses run during term time, which means there are three terms, and a summer term with courses often repeated so that you don’t miss an opportunity to learn. Tey often hold ‘taster festivals’ where you can hop into a class for free before you sign up. Te main campus is in Holborn, but they use other venues around the city. Tey are evaluated regularly by Ofsted, and while some classes are short term, they even offer full qualifications. Languages, British Sign Language, art, history, draw- ing, dance, social media, writing, cooking and philosophy are merely the starting point of the subjects available.


Dance


When it comes to dance classes, Pineapple Dance Studio (www.pineapple.uk.com) offers variety and pop culture in tandem. Founded by Debbie Moore in 1979, the studio offers classes for amateurs and pro- fessionals, is regularly used by the music and entertainment industry for rehearsal space, and is where the Madonna video Hung Up was filmed. Street dance, salsa, ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, Bollywood and ballroom dance all feature on the menu. You can buy a day membership to try a class, or a longer membership for a better discount. Ten, you turn up, pay the in- structor and break a sweat!


www.focus-info.org Eat and Run


Trying to combine a cooking class and a lunch break is a challenge that L’Atelier (www.atelierdeschefs.co.uk) have taken on with gusto. Offering a 30-minute cooking class where you can learn a new dish and then tuck into, is the highlight. If you can stay longer, their 3 hour and full day classes range from macaroon to Tai. Cookery School at Little Portland Street (www.cookeryschool.co.uk) have gluten free baking classes that will lift your dietary limitations for the future. Looking to take your culinary skills to the next level? Check out Le Cordon Bleu (www.cordon- bleu.edu) Good Housekeeping School (www.goodhousekeeping.co.uk/institute/ cookery-school) or Leith’s (www.leiths.com) for a more challenging curriculum that will lead to a qualification and a new career.


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