Drawing Through Layers

Drawing Through Layers, a hands-on workshop that invites participants to experiment with analogue drawing, stencil making and collage.

+44 (0)20 7942 2000
  • Wednesday, 16 September 2026

  • 13.45 - 14.45

  • V&A South Kensington

    Cromwell Road
    London, SW7 2RL
  • Learning Centre Art Studio

  • Free event

Inspired by layering, repetition, pattern and graphic systems, the workshop encourages an open, playful approach to image-making, where ideas develop through experimentation rather than a predetermined outcome. Participants will create a series of layered compositions while exploring techniques central to the collective’s creative practice.
 
Following the workshop, Neasden Control Centre (Adult Fiction winner, V&A Illustration Awards 2026) will present an illustrated artist talk reflecting on his practice / processes. Through examples from past and current projects, Stephen will discuss the role of drawing, print, material exploration and graphic experimentation in developing visual ideas, offering an insight into how process, collaboration and making inform his approach to contemporary art, illustration and graphic design. 

Suitable for all abilities, this event offers an opportunity to make, learn and engage with the creative processes behind Neasden Control Centre’s work. 

The V&A Illustration Awards is a free, biennial competition celebrating excellence in illustration and contemporary practice, and judged by a panel of prominent illustrators and industry experts. The awards highlight a broad range of illustration styles and subjects. This display features the work of this year's winners and runners-up from each of the five categories: Adult Factual, Adult Fiction, Advertising and Commercial, Emerging Illustrator and Illustration for Children. 
 
The Awards are generously supported by The Linder Foundation and the Moira Gemmill Memorial fund. 

Header image: Stephen Smith (Neasden Control Centre), Sketchbook with ideas for Cortázar Classics, 2025.