Move and Sketch at Somerset House

Move and Sketch at Somerset House

Saturday 21 February 2026 | 13:00 - 15:00

Trapped in Zone One are hosting a physical meets creative activity with a walk at Somerset House exploring and sketching their new outdoor installtion by artist Dana-Fiona Armour, which blends sculpture, science, and responsive light technology, the work brings attention to the changing conditions of our oceans and the fragile ecosystems they support.

The aim of our session is to improve confidence in walking on a more regular basis, boost mental wellbeing and give participants safe opportunities for social interaction. By hosting this session will aim to merge creative medium of sketching on the move engaging with participants, who are often inactive, make physical activity part of their daily routine exploring greenspaces in London.

Background to Requiem

Somerset House launches its 2026 season with 'Serpentine Currents – Fragments of a Changing Future', a major new courtyard installation by artist Dana-Fiona Armour.

Suspended across the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court, the three-part illuminated sculpture is modelled from a 3D scan of Aipysurus fuscus, an endangered sea snake species. Its mesh LED surface is animated using historic and predictive ocean data from the British coastline, with patterns and luminosity shifting in response to rising sea temperatures and decreasing salinity. Often described as “bioindicators” of marine health, sea snakes become a lens through which to visualise otherwise invisible environmental change.

Flowing above the courtyard’s water fountains, Serpentine Currents mirrors the movement of tidal waters, creating a striking encounter that translates scientific research into a living, responsive form. The installation resonates strongly within its setting: Somerset House was once home to the Royal Society, a pivotal institution in the advancement of natural history and ecological understanding. Situated in a site shaped by centuries of scientific inquiry, the work invites visitors to reflect on the environmental shifts shaping our collective future.

The installation encourages audiences to consider the delicate state of the world’s oceans and our relationship to the natural world.

ON THE DAY

Please arrive on time at the meeting point area: main entrance to Tate Britain.

If you have any issues on the day, contact 07870 590402.

This workshop will be outdoors, we ask all to dress for the weather.

We ask all attendees to bring their own art material of a sketchbook, pencils, eraser, and sharper as a means of continuing the activity in your time after the session creating your own Move and Sketch plan. If you do require assistance with materials, contact us prior to attending the activity.

Book Now

Please book one time slot per person. Please arrive no more than 15 minutes before your booked slot. These sessions are designed for adults as an introduction to walking and sketching whilst exploring public spaces in London.

Tickets are donation based (Pay What You Can), if you have difficulties with booking please contact us and we'd be happy to assist and reserve a place for you.

Walk-ins will not be accepted. If you can no longer attend, please cancel your ticket via Eventbrite or please get in touch with us to allow another person(s) a chance to take part.

Donate to Move and Sketch!

Move and Sketch sessions are free and with donation to attend as part of our community initative to help everyone get out, get active and make their lives better. You can now support the our work and make a donation on our website here.

Important Filming and Photography Notice

Please note that filming and photography will be taking place at this event. All imagery and footage may at some point be published on the Trapped in Zone One website, social media channels, and reporting with project funders.

Undecided? Check out some of the feedback from participants from previous workshops:

'It improved my wellbeing, it made me feel happier and calmer. Being outdoors in the sunshine and fresh air, paying attention to my surroundings, being in the moment.'

'This event has enabled me to do more walking than usual. People have been very kind and someone always walked with me even though quite slow. Very grateful to everyone at Trapped in Zone One. Have been to a few events now but originally found whilst scrolling for something to do on eventbrite.'

'My mood is uplifted and feel glad to enjoy afternoon outside.'

'It was fun to sketch and learn about the history. It was really mindful. Learning about the history of Tower Bridge and of course observing the little details and drawing from top of the tower. Also, meeting people and finding these great pockets of communities around London.'

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Info: Meeting point at the entrance to Somerset House with attendance check-in and introduction

Info: Walking activity of exploring the installation

Info: A group based activity of sketching the installation

Info: Feedback gathering of the session with group.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Somerset House, Strand, London, United Kingdom

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