Move over Van Gogh and Leonardo da Vinci and make way for creative talent of the future – hailing from a school in a deprived and diverse part of Kent.
Children from Luton Primary School in Chatham are set to have their artwork displayed alongside works by some of the world’s most celebrated and influential artists.
They beat off stiff competition from thousands of entries from more than 400 schools to exhibit at both the prestigious National Gallery and the Royal Academy of Art.
David Frankum, a resident artist and the school’s art lead, uses the subject to help overcome the cultural divide, inspiring his pupils and helping to transform their lives through art and creativity.
Part of Rivermead Inclusive Trust, it is one of Britain’s most diverse schools with more than 50 languages spoken.
David said: “To have their art featured in one gallery is an experience of a lifetime and a dream come true.
“It’s hard to put into words what it means to be featured in both galleries. I’m a little shocked.
“It’s an amazing achievement and one I’m very proud of being part of.”
Each year, the Take One Picture programme sees the National Gallery pick one piece from its collection to inspire cross-curricular work in primary school classrooms.
This year, Canaletto’s Regatta on the Grand Canal was the inspiration, with the youngsters devoting a full off-timetable week to creating their s own masterpiece based on the work.
Year 2’s Storey Class focused on the architectural elements within the painting, creating a building where each pupil designed an individual window.
The second piece will be displayed at the Royal Academy of Arts as part of The Young Artists; Summer show – a free, annual exhibition showcasing art by UK students aged between four and 19.
It encourages creative expression without specific themes, displaying selected artworks both online and in the London gallery.
The show highlights diverse mediums including painting, photography, sculpture, and video, with submissions judged by artists and professionals.
There were more than 25,000 applicants, with a sculpture from a Year 5 pupil, Charlie, called ‘The Big Dream’ chosen.
In her description, she said: “I was inspired by skateboarding and my own life.
“I love skateboarding so much that I decided to recreate it in real life through my artwork.”
Head of school Liz Gamet said: “This is a truly special achievement and reflects the creativity, talent, and dedication of our children.
“As a school, we place great importance on our value of aspiration, and opportunities like this show our pupils that their ambitions can reach far beyond the classroom.
“It is a wonderful experience for them to see their work recognised on such prestigious platforms, and one that will inspire them for years to come.”
Tina Lovey, Trust chief executive, said: “On a personal level, recognising excellence in art is a passion very close to my heart, having worked in admissions and the printmaking department of the Royal College of Art in the 1990s.
“I am honoured that our pupils within our Trust have been recognised by such prestigious galleries.“
Both pieces will be showcased at their respective galleries throughout the summer.
