‘KING’-SIZE Portrait Goes On Display
News release issued: 20th May 2010
Inspired by a visit to the Mary Rose Museum, Year 5 pupils from the Western Church of England Primary School in Winchester created a ‘king-size’ picture of Henry VIII, as part of a major project on the Tudors. The Mary Rose Trust was so inspired that it decided to display the artwork on the hoardings at the construction site for the new Mary Rose Museum.
The Mary Rose Trust has worked in partnership with Western Primary School, for several years. Pupils in Year 5 visit the Mary Rose Museum to kick off their Tudor topic and the Mary Rose forms the basis of an innovative cross-curricular project involving work in History, English, Art, Music and Drama. The term’s work culminates in a ‘Living Museum’ where pupils take the role of curators to showcase their work for family and friends. The Mary Rose Trust contributes costumes for the whole year group to this event, which is attended by the Learning Team.
Mary Kinoulty, Head of Learning at the Mary Rose Trust, said “It is a great example of how much can be gained from a well-planned school visit. The highlight of this year’s Living Museum was the portrait of Henry VIII that involved pupils working together to produce a ‘king-size’ picture, which was displayed in the school hall. The Mary Rose Trust is delighted that this portrait will be on public display in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.”
The space on the hoardings will be rotated every few months offering a variety of schools and community groups the chance to display their artwork to the visiting public.
Pupils Joss Banfield and Julian Quinault unveiled the artwork with their teacher Lucy Thomas on Thursday 20th May. In true Mary Rose style the pupils dressed in traditional Tudor costumes.
Photo: Mrs Banfield (parent), Lucy Thomas (teacher), Joss Banfield (pupil), Julian Quinault (pupil), Mary Kinoulty (Head of Learning at the Mary Rose Trust), John Lippiett (Chief Executive, Mary Rose Trust), Clare Williamson (Learning Officer, Mary Rose Trust)
