Bedales Prep pupils unveil sculpture

Oct. 30, 2012 - PRLog -- On Saturday 29 September, Bedales Prep, Dunhurst unveiled a sculpture designed by pupils in collaboration with local sculptor Andrew Cheese. The sculpture features three figures in motion and was inspired by the Olympics.

It was designed by pupils in Blocks 1 and 2 (years 7 and 8) with assistance from Andrew Cheese (who created the shepherd sculpture in Shepherds Walk, Petersfield). Andrew also teaches at Bedales and was Dunhurt’s ‘artist in residence’ during the last half of the summer term to help the pupils’ designs come to fruition. They spent their Wednesday afternoon breaks modelling the sculpture in Wessex clay. Andrew completed the process over the holidays by casting the model into plaster, which then formed the base for the glass fibre sculpture finished in pewter.

The sculpture was unveiled as part of the Prep School’s Badley weekend celebrations, a special event to commemorate the school’s founder John Badley. The sculpture now stands in the Dunhurst car park in the entrance to the school.

Commenting on the project, Jane Grubb, Head of Dunhurst, said: “It was a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to work with a talented and well-renowned sculptor. Their artistic ideas were realised in an amazing 3D model, which they gave up their spare time to work on. The finished work is stunning and really catches the eye as the sun glances off the shiny pewter finish. We are all very proud of the sculpture. Thank you to Andrew for his time and support in helping the pupils realise their artistic ambition.”