London Life Drawing Network

My awful experience today at Life Drawing Society class run by Tony Pianco Bethnal Green Sat 21st Feb 2015Accused of not paying - AvoidI dont usually write reviews but after today’s experience I had to. After looking around for a life drawing class I decided to give this one a go. Not knowing anyone I went to the class and there was no visible leader (turned out I passed him outside unknowingly - i'm new so i wouldn't of known!).With no leader in the class and as it was already in session when I arrived, I sat and at the first opportunity at the tea break I gave Tony Pianco £10 for the class. Upon 15 or so minutes Tony then asked me if I had paid - even though I had already.After sitting back down for the other life drawing half, Tony then approached me and I was told bluntly that I hadn't paid. At this stage I explained I had and promised I had, even opening my wallet and showing him the money I had withdrawn for the class was no longer there. I asked if he counted the collective money it would total to the number of people there. Ignoring this he walked away from me. I went over to Tony to continue explaining I had already paid and at this stage I felt extremely unwelcome and upset with this accusation so I couldn't continue with the class.Coming from a family of creatives and from an art college, I understand how many things are done through trust and faith that people pay. I always pay for any class and what upset me greatly how adamant he was that I hadn't paid and there was no evidence to say otherwise. It was clear in his mind I was lying and had not paid.Essentially, Tony’s memory is the only evidence you have paid for a class. A young lady told me she had also been accused of not paying. Its such a shame because I could of seen myself being a regular to this class and now I feel vindicated so I wont be returning. I was told by Tony Pianco himself that he’d been doing this for 10 years, which I find astonishing with such basic lapse with no sign-in sheet of some description to prove you’ve paid.I found the whole experience upsetting and a slap in the face for trying something new looking up classes. If you’re looking for a life drawing class I would recommend avoiding this one that seems to be run with little hospitality for newcomers (or anyone whom Tony cant remember).

i spoke to tony over the phone and he invited me to some life drawing, very nice chat and he really cares about making life drawing inclusive for everyone! i will become a member as the classes sound great