Free drop-in workshops for kids at the National Portrait Gallery (and Hollywood Portraits exhibition)

Whilst visiting the Glamour of the Gods Hollywood portraits exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, I noticed that the Youth Forum presents free drop in workshops for 14 to 21 year olds. With my 13 year old daughter in mind, I asked if I could take a peak at the recycled fashion and costume making session with Carrie Louise.

There was a large room with piles of recycled fashion treasure around the edges. The five or so Youth Forum helpers were guiding around a dozen youngsters in the development of some truly fabulous creations – bracelets and cuffs, multi-finger rings and head dresses. Whilst they are geared up to manage around 60 young people a day, they were running at about half capacity. I felt a desperate need to go onto the streets and encourage young people in – even if just for 15 minutes.

The volunteers indicated that they could help people make something cool within an hour – using fabrics and trims that would allow a young person to express their true personality and unique style. They indicated that they were quite happy for parents to leave their kids there while they wandered around the gallery and exhibitions. And, after some photos for posterity, the kids could take their creations home. No charge.

What more could you ask for? Your kids engaged in creative production with sensitive and motivated young adults while you glide serenely around looking at art. There are two remaining free workshops taking place:

19th August – Drawing with Emma Middleton

26th August – Collage with Grace Adams (I’m told that this will be three dimensional collage – so closer to sculpture)

And if you need a further incentive the Glamour of the Gods exhibition is fab. It's where the best of film historian’s John Kobal’s collection has been arranged by decade. There’s Greta Garbo and her iconic red lipstick (Flesh and the Devil promotion shots), Joan Crawford, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Clark Gable, Gary Cooper, Marlon Brando and Rock Hudson (he really was the most good looking man on this earth).

One of my favourite photos was Louise Brooks by E R Richee – the background is so dark that the short, geometric bob leaves just an angular slice of face along with long slim arms holding a lengthy rope of pearls. Stunning.

But I smiled too at the photos of Laurel and Hardy, Charlie Chaplin, Tarzan and The Marx Brothers. There’s a really moody shot of a languid Gary Cooper with a cigarette hanging off of his lower lip – so sexy that you can forgive the tweed jacket. James Cagney looks suitably “gangsta” and mean. Vivien Leigh is stunningly glamorous. A playful Judy Garland teamed up with Mickey Rooney for a promotional shot for “Strike up the band”.

And as you reach the 50-60s you can’t help but stare at the photos of the simple, breathtaking beauty of Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly. Audrey Hepburn is at her elfin best for “Funny Face” and Elizabeth Taylor on the beach is sublime.

Another iconic shot of the man responsible for making vests macho with Marlon Brandon posing for “A streetcar named Desire”. There’s instantly recognisable photos of James Dean and shots of an extremely young Joan Collins. And if this wasn’t uplifting enough, it was good to see that they used retouching long ago on Joan Crawford.

Get yourself – and your teens – down to the National Portrait Gallery.