To recreate DDs missed school trip

[Piratepete1]

DD (5) is due to go on a school trip to London later this month to see a Matisse: drawing with scissors (the cut outs) exhibition. She has really enjoyed the topic and was so excited about going. We are in the Midlands so it was a 2 hour train trip each way. Her much awaited consultants appointment has typically now fallen on the exact date. She can't miss it so will have to miss the trip and is very upset. I am considering a Sunday trip to London to see it with her but DH thinks I'm barmy as it's a costly train trip and a long day. He says to just buy a book of his work but I think it's a completely different experience seeing it at a gallery. I have tried to find if there are any prints of his work displayed in local galleries but it's been fruitless. She particularly likes 'The Snail' but I can't find where it is displayed anywhere.

Do you think it's worth the trip?

I would do it

DD is 8 and we did a similar trip last year to see the Sonia Delaunay at Tate Modern last year. Also had a play around along the Southbank and wee boat trip. It was a really special, just us, grown up thing for her and she loved it. Will take her again for the Georgia O Keefe this summer. I think the trick is to try not to do too much, have a plan for food and give yourselves plenty of time just to enjoy being generally about. Then it's not stressful.

Is it this exhibition that's touring?
www.southbankcentre.co.uk/find/hayward-gallery-and-visual-arts/hayward-touring/current/matisse-drawing-with-scissors
I think going to London would be part of the excitement for her, but it may be worth checking out some of the other places it's going.
Have a lovely trip, whatever you decide!

Have just come back fromthe Natural History Museum with DS who was 4 yesterday. We gave him a choice between go karting or a trip to London, and he asked to go to "Andy's museum"!

He loved it, every second of it, and I imagine if he was into art instead of whales and dinosaurs he would like that, I think it's lovely she wants to go to a gallery!

OP I live in Stevenage (North Herts), if you wanted to make it a bit longer, you could stay in one of the cheap hotels in my area (£20/30 travelodge type places), drive to here, get the train to London which is only 25 mins from my town and would make it easier. pick the right town though my one is cheap, others close by would be much more expensive hotel wise!!

I think that's lovely of you, if you can afford it and can manage travel-wise then go for it.

On a separate, unrelated note, your daughter sounds very bright for a 5 year old, what a wonderful topic to get excited by and definitely should be encouraged!You both sound lovely.

I did it with ds this last term. Wasn't as far, but if she doesn't often go by train then the journey will be fun too.

Yes do it.

Ca you use the Chiltern line running into Marylebone rather than the Euston line? Its usually a lot chepaer. If you've not go t a family railcard, it may also be worth investing in one if you're planning more trips. When you've seen the gallery why not go down to South Bank for a wander, an ice cream and to see the entertainers. If its a really hot day there are great fountains down there she can play in.

Have to say, I'm mind boggled by the prospect of a class of 5 year olds being taken on a 2 hour journey and round a gallery. I would not envy the poor teachers who had to deal with them one bit

Go on National Express, make sure you sit at the back, eat all your packed lunch straight away and for extra effect hope that someone is sick on the way home. Oh and make sure you stand in the middle of the road to wave your DD across . I think it is a lovely idea and you definitely do it.

I took DS (then 6) and DD (then 8) to see the Matisse Cut Outs exhibs at the Tate last year and they LOVED it, so child friendly and really influenced their art and craft activities for ages afterwards. Do go if you can, just the two of you, it will be a great memory and a wonderful day :-)

Absolutely, do it. I don't see why you wouldn't.

Just came onto say I looked it up thinking "DS would enjoy that!" and it does look like it's touring, so you might be better finding another location closer to you.

The link to the exhbition says that the original The Snail is owned by the Tate, and usually on display at the Tate Modern - you could find out if it's still there or if it's touring/archived at the moment, and combine that. I think it would be a nice idea to go - I remember when I got ill chicken pox just before a school trip to go look at some ancient settlements, and my parents took me there later, and it stuck in my mind because I'd been upset at missing it. The place itself doesn't really stick in my mind (don't think I was that interested in the topic) but the fact that they took me is what registered.

And as long as you have the whole day and can do things at a leisurely pace, I don't see why not, even for a 5 year old. Two hours on the train is better than in the car, as you can walk around etc. Then you can have a nice lunch, take time to sit down or run around in a park, whatever she needs, and then see an exhibition. You could wander to Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens from the gallery from the looks of it. Or take the tube back to somewhere like Covent Garden. Or go to the South bank and watch the living statues and buskers, and then pop into the Tate to see the original. More relaxing before you get the train home, and hopefully she'll sleep part of the way, especially if you can book seats so that you don't get on a really busy commuter train.

Sounds like a lovely plan. But why assume the appointment can't be changed?

If you go to the National Gallery the family art sessions are amazing - really fascinating and amazing resources. I don' t know if you can pre-book.

Definitely think you should do it, sounds great.

Think the teachers are mad to take a whole class of 5 year olds though.

www.nationalgallery.org.uk/whats-on/5-12-activities-sundays

I would do it. If it's on the Southbank then Waterloo bridge has some fantastic views. Or else walk along the river past the London Eye to Westminster Bridge and see Big Ben.

www.southbankcentre.co.uk/find/hayward-gallery-and-visual-arts/hayward-touring/current/matisse-drawing-with-scissors

This lists the tour dates. I'm not sure how helpful that is except it is only in London until June

I would go. a book is one thing but actually seeing the pieces in person would be amazing. I too live in the Midlands and train tickets aren't that expensive to get to London with a return. me and my DP normally go 2 or 3 times a year (except this year). yes it'll be a long tiring day but if you go on a Saturday, Sunday you can cuddle up and rest (exactly what I do).

Definitely do it! I think it is a lovely thing for you to do. You and your DD will have a fab time in London, just the two of you. Someone above said she might not remember it in years to come. Of course, that is possible. However, I remember so much that happened when I was 5, it is equally possible that she will remember it well. But the most important factor is that she will enjoy the experience while it is happening. And it sounds as though she was really looking forward to it and will get a lot out of going.

Definitely go. If you can combine it with a trip to the 'dinosaur museum' (natural history) which my DS always loves.

Oh and it's free 😀

Do it. It will be so special for her.

A lovely idea.

As for train journeys- if you buy several tickets along the journey it can save a packet. My DH always does this when he visits DD at university. 1 ticket- £88 (75 minute journey )

Split journey ( without having to get off the train) £42!

PP who thinks it's not worth it because she won't remember - no offence but you are so very mistaken. The things that happen before you form clear memories are the really deeply important things, that make you who you are.

Dot, great minds ..