Children’s artwork in the frame

Reception pupils at LIPA Primary School were excited to see the unveiling of four very special pieces of artwork.
The primary school, located in Liverpool city centre, opened in September 2014 and is the latest chapter in the history of LIPA, which was co-founded by Mark Featherstone-Witty and Sir Paul McCartney in 1995.

The school focuses on learning through creative and performing arts to enrich teaching and learning in the early development of language, reading, writing and mathematics skills.

The school’s latest project saw the pupils’ artwork come to life on a large scale, with the help of local artist Allen Heron.

Allen, whose granddaughter Annie attends the school, and headteacher Greg Parker, selected pupils’ winning designs around the theme of ‘Our City’.

Allen was then commissioned to recreate the winning pictures on a large scale, with the finished canvases being hung in the school library.

Allen, who has previously completed work for Mayor Joe Anderson and several community-focused projects, said: “You cannot believe the amount of detail that was in these pictures – recreating them was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done!”

Headteacher Greg Parker said: “We are delighted to unveil Allen’s versions of our children’s artwork, which have really brightened up the school.

“We are now looking forward to working with him on our next project, when he will help the children explore themes around culture and the world around us through artwork to decorate our underground play area.”