The generous support of Julie MacDonald, High Sheriff of South Yorkshire, enabled us to commission artist Gillian Brent to work with 90 children to create a permanent artwork for Manor Lodge Primary School.

Gillian began the project with class visits to the nearby Manor Lodge where the children saw reproductions of medieval tapestry weaving in the Turret House, stood on the site of Sheffield’s earliest pottery, learned about the cluster of silversmiths who repurposed the Manor Lodge ruins in the 19th century and finally met some of the 21st century makers at Yorkshire Artspace’s Manor Oaks Studios

Through 10 days of workshop sessions in school, the children were introduced to various tools and materials and involved in many diferent making processes such as drawing, weaving, carving and metal chasing. The final artwork—made up of eight wall panels containing individual elements created by all 90 pupils—is installed in the newly refurbished school hall; the heart of the school seen by all current and future children, staff and parents.

The legacy of this project and Julie’s support is that we have been able to set aside a small annual budget enabling us to commission creative activity every year for the next 5 years during the school's 'Artsweek.' We hope to establish a lasting relationship between Manor Lodge Primary School and local makers.

Please download the attached pdf to see the book created about this project - containing beautiful images of the work in progress as well as the final pieces of work.