Pupils from Dame Bradbury’s Junior School wowed esteemed guests, including the Deputy Mayor of Saffron Walden, with their jungle-inspired artworks. The exhibition took place at Bridge End Gardens, where the natural leafy structures served as the perfect backdrop for the stunning artworks.

In collaboration with the National Gallery’s ‘Take One Picture’ programme, the school’s annual creative exhibition this year showcased the pupils’ multi-disciplinary responses to Henri Rousseau’s famous tiger painting ‘Surprised!’ Pupils from Early Years through to Year 6 created works ranging from digital animations and pottery, to poetry, drama and soundscapes.

Among the attendees were Deryk Eke and Jan Eke, the Deputy Mayor of Saffron Walden and his consort, alongside other members of the local Saffron Walden community, who were invited by the school to view the exhibition. Amira Mitchell-Karam, Teacher of STEAM at Dame Bradbury’s, commented: “We were honoured to have the Deputy Mayor and consort join us at the event to enjoy our pupils’ remarkable work. This programme allowed our pupils to explore a variety of artistic mediums, and we have seen how Rousseau’s painting has inspired a wide range of responses from the pupils, from environmental awareness to reducing plastic waste.”

Take One Picture is a national programme for primary schools which encourages students to develop an artistic response to a chosen painting, aiming to inspire a lifelong love of art and learning. The Dame Bradbury’s pupil projects have been submitted to the national programme for a chance to be exhibited at the National Gallery in 2024.

Dame Bradbury’s offers academic excellence alongside a comprehensive range of enriched learning opportunities, spanning art and design, performing arts, extracurricular trips, and sports. To learn more about Dame Bradbury’s, please visit: https://damebradburys.stephenperse.com/damebradburys.