Based in Edinburgh, participants will visit national and local institutions throughout the capital, including the National Galleries of Scotland, the Museum of Edinburgh, Georgian House, Hopetoun House conservation studios, and the wonderful tapestry workshops of the Dovecot Studios.
A full day trip to Glasgow will include visits to the magnificent Burrell Collection, reopened after major refurbishment in 2022, and the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum to see works by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and the Glasgow School artists. In addition, a full-day trip by private coach to the region of Fife will include visits to Robert Adam-designed Mellerstain House, the Kirkcaldy Galleries with its Scottish Colourists collection, and the university city of St Andrew’s for its museums and arts-and-crafts retail studios.
For those exploring career options in the vibrant art scene or considering a career change, as well as established professionals aiming to consolidate their knowledge, this course offers invaluable insights into the numerous professional paths available in the global art world by providing in-depth exposure to exclusive small-group conversations and intimate tours of art spaces in Scotland.
Students who complete this course are eligible to receive a tuition credit equivalent to $2,000 USD if they subsequently enroll in one of our Master’s Degree Programs at our New York, London, or Online locations (pending application and acceptance to the Master’s Degree program).
Understand the stylistic characteristics and evolution of fine and decorative arts from the Early Renaissance onwards, relating to the periods covered.
Appreciate the development of Scottish artworks through site visits.
Consider art within the wider context of circulation, curation, display, and consumption.
Discover conservation ethics and principles.
Course Leader, Summer Program, London
Viv Lawes is an author, journalist, lecturer and curator with over 25 years’ experience in the art market, combining an extensive hands-on career in art business with academic research and teaching in Higher Education, Continuing Education, and public-facing organisations. Viv studied History at York University and graduated with an MA in Fine and Decorative Art from Sotheby’s Institute in 1997, where her thesis focused on the textile trade between England and India/China in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Read MoreDay 1: Gain an initial understanding of the art scene in Edinburgh through visits to the Scottish National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery, as well as the Georgian House.
Day 2: Explore the history of Scottish silver at the Museum of Edinburgh, and visit the Hopetoun House, a historic home. In addition, students will visit the Scottish Conservation Studio, where they will learn about the practicalities of conservation and see what is being worked on.
Day 3: Take a day trip to Fife, just north of Edinburgh, in a private mini-coach, to visit collections such as the Mellerstain House and the Kirkcaldy Galleries.
Day 4: Drive to Glasgow by private mini-coach for another day trip, learning about the Glasgow School through stops at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, and the Burrell Collection.
Day 5: End your tour back in Edinburgh with a visit to Dovecot Studios, a landmark gallery for textiles and design, as well as contemporary art.
Course participants take away in-depth and valuable insight into the current and future art world. Those who successfully complete their course will receive a certificate of completion from Sotheby’s Institute of Art.
Sotheby’s Institute of Art course participants come from all over the world, from a wide variety of backgrounds. As they study, travel, and explore the art world alongside each other throughout the program, fierce and long-lasting collaborations are frequently born. Individuals who complete these courses join our network of over 8,000 past participants around the globe who hold top positions at renowned art organizations.
Students who complete this course are eligible to receive a tuition credit equivalent to $2,000 USD if they subsequently enroll in one of our Master’s Degree Programs at our New York, London, or Online locations (pending application and acceptance to the Master’s Degree program).
English Language Requirement
Course participants should be proficient in written and spoken English and be able to participate in group discussions and presentations in English. It is recommended that participants have the equivalent level of IELTS score of 6.0 /TOEFL score of 78 IBT, however evidence of test scores is not required to register.
Age Requirement
Courses are open to participants 18 years of age or older, however, we prefer that students have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience to be able to properly engage in the course.
For more information, please see our Terms and Conditions.
We encourage interested individuals to book a consultation time with a member of our admissions team to learn more about this course and our registration process.
Please use this link to book a consultation time via phone or video call.