Sculpture for Schools - Art in Schools

From 2021 no further School Sculpture Projects will be undertaken as I move towards retirement.
However I will be happy to make sculptures from my range of Garden Sculpture for school receptions, playgrounds etc
I am leaving this page on my website to inspire other makers to undertake this type of project that I have found enjoyable over many years.

Paul Margetts has been involved in many projects designing and making sculpture in collaboration with schools. The projects are always varied and range from small scale pieces to large sculptures for playgrounds and civic sites.

The following method is an outline for the successful commissioning of a piece of sculpture for your school.

Paul spends a day at your school; during the first part of the day he demonstrates the methods that he uses when forging. He brings a traditional coke fired forge and anvil and during a 20 minute demonstration shows some basic hot forging techniques.

He usually makes a striker for a triangle with a leaf design. This triangle then stays with the class/school and acts as a reminder of the demonstration. He can repeat the demo up to three times, groups can be as large as 100. The demonstration takes place outside and he will need access to a 13amp power supply.

He then gives a Power Point presentation about his work which gives the students a clear idea of what he has produced in the past and what might be achieved at the school, he then describes how the commission can be taken forward with the school. It is helpful if a digital projector with PC is available for this.

Paul suggests that the class/group that is selected to work on the sculpture project is asked to explore with their teachers themes that can be included in the sculpture, this can be done as a history, art or DT project. Drawings are then created by the students, these are sent on to Paul and he will develop a design having been inspired by the students' work.

Paul will send his design proposal to the school and then produce the sculpture. He always strives to make these projects as simple and rewarding as possible for the school and the students.

An on-going web diary is written as the commission proceeds in order that the children can follow the progress of the sculpture via the internet.

Paul can adjust the project to suit the budget available, please call to discuss the possibilities on 07784 770900.

Below is a typical project

A commission to design and make a contemporary sculpture for a new school in Ashton-under-Lyne. The design for the sculpture was developed through workshops with the students and staff of the school.

The project began with a blacksmithing demonstration using fire and anvil which illustrated to the children the methods involved in forging steel. This gave them an opportunity to understand some of the processes involved in making metal sculpture. A striker for a triangle is usually made (see below).

This was followed by a Power Point presentation about previous
sculptures made by Paul Margetts.

The Heys is a new primary school and wished to develop a sculpture that expressed its ideals and ethos and would inspire all who worked at and visited the school. The ideas that needed to be described in the sculpture were, achievement, community, happiness, support and consideration for others. The children were asked to express these themes through drawing and physical movement. Paul then used these suggestions to inspire his design for the sculpture.

Below is a selection of drawings produced by the children
which inspired the design.

Scale drawings and a model were made prior to the
construction of the full size piece.

Paul organised most aspects of the commission including design, manufacture, transport and installation, making the process straight forward for staff members at school.

The finished sculpture.

Story-boards were made for the dedication that describe the partnership between Paul and the school.

The sculpture was "unveiled" in the presence of local councillors, school governors, parents and teachers while the children sang songs.

The commission proved to be very successful. A dynamic piece of art has been made for the front of the reception area that describes the spirit of the school; the students and staff were involved throughout the commission; and the school and the local community have a strong sense of ownership of the work. The head teacher and staff were enthusiastic and supportive throughout the project and made this commission very satisfying from the artist's perspective.
Thanks to all at The Heys!

Other school sculpture projects are shown below

sculpture in schools, sculpture making with students, sculptor working in school