Wirral Arts: Masterpieces by Wirral schoolchildren hung alongside Constable and Gainsborough

Feb 13 2013 by Linda Foo Guest, Birkenhead News

ARTISTIC masterpieces by Wirral schoolchildren are on display alongside great painters such as Constable and Gainsborough.

The exhibition at the Lady Lever Art Gallery features a diverse range of nearly 100 works including paintings, collages and textiles.

The artwork was created by Year 10 students from Prenton high, South Wirral high, Wallasey school and Weatherhead high.

Fresh Perspectives: Art From Wirral Schools will be on display until April 7.

Susan Lunt, art teacher at South Wirral high, said: “We are delighted to exhibit the work of our talented year 10 pupils at the Lady Lever.

“The students are thrilled to have this fantastic opportunity to display their artwork in such a prestigious and internationally renowned art gallery.”

Debra Freckleton, head of art at Weatherhead high, added: “We are delighted to be part of this exhibition. It gives our students the opportunity to showcase their artwork to a wider audience and celebrate their achievements.

“It is inspiring for our girls to be part of a professional exhibition where their work will be shown among famous paintings and artefacts in such a lovely gallery.”

Simon Taylor, art teacher at Prenton high school for girls, said: “We are extremely proud to be part of the first Wirral schools’ art exhibition at the Lady Lever Gallery. We were privileged to be asked to take part and feel it is a great honour for our students’ artwork to be displayed alongside internationally renowned artists.”

The exhibition is supported by the Wirral-based Johnson Foundation, which supports the Lady Lever Art Gallery and educational projects for children.

Sandra Penketh, director of Art Galleries at National Museums Liverpool, added: “This exhibition provides a platform for young Wirral artists to show off their creations in of Europe’s finest art galleries.

“The Lady Lever boasts paintings by the likes of Constable, Gainsborough and Millais so the students are in esteemed company. They can feel very proud of their achievements.”