Barbara and Azmeena.

The History Co-ordinator at Chester Park Junior School was enthusiastic about becoming involved in a Brunel 200 residency with an art and design focus. The resulting project was led by Barbara Ash, sculptor and creative practitioner who was based at the school over a period of six weeks. Inspired by a nineteenth century painting by Samuel Colman, ‘The ceremony of laying the foundation stone of the Suspension Bridge’ children across the school constructed their own flotilla of ships out of polystyrene and mod roc plaster. They populated the ships with models of passengers and worked as teams to decorate and complete the work.



Tony and Stuart Elson.


This was a challenging residency considering the school had very little practical working space. It was a significant achievement to deliver this project as the school had never before worked on a project of this size with a creative practitioner.

Headteacher Tony Phillips:

“Working with a professional and being guided and taught skills was a huge benefit. Cross-curricular and creative themes were a feature and co-operation skills were also developed. The school, through its individuals, created an artwork for all.”