Wild Life Drawing, Halloween special: Somerset House

This Halloween activity is taking place a few days before the big day itself, but it may just be the loveliest of all the rest of the Halloween events to come.

Forget spiders and snakes, witches and ghosts, pumpkins and zombies: is there anything more exhilarating than a real-life wolf?

Find out at Somerset House -- with this wildlife live drawing event. Terrified parents be reassured: these "wolves" are a domestic species of British Lupine dog which are perfect wolf look-a-likes, originally a hybrid from many years ago. So, they're perfectly tame household pets, safe enough to be around children. But they still retain their pack mentality, eat only raw meat and -- can you believe it -- howl at the full moon.

During the life drawing, the class will be introduced to the wolves with a short talk from the experienced animal handlers and everyone will able to study them closely. Both adults and children will be led through a series of fun drawing exercises before focussing on drawing form, fur and face to create finished drawings. As well as drawing the wolves, visitors will learn about their unique characteristics, their origins and the current conservation issues facing wolves in the wild.

All abilities are welcome at this class and drawing tutor Jennie Webber will be on hand for any artistic guidance. Wild Life Drawing is open to all levels of ability and all drawing materials are supplied, including paper, but please feel free to bring colours or any dry media you might like to use.

The ticket price includes entry for one adult and one child over 8 years. Children will be allowed to interact with some of the animals under supervision from the animal handlers. Please note only one child will be admitted with each ticket, no siblings or additional children can attend even if they are not participating in the activity.

Suitable for children aged 8-12 accompanied by an adult