The exhibition, Forty Years On: A Celebration of Chenderit Art and Design Alumni 1979-2019, commemorates not only the school’s 40th anniversary, but also features the work of former students who have gone on to build careers as artists, architects and illustrators, in advertising, marketing communications and commercial design, and as fashion, jewellery and furniture designers.
“Art education allows students to express themselves and think outside of the box.”
According to John, “Being involved in the founding of a new school means that you can create an ethos, bring a philosophy, a vision, set goals and strive to achieve them. Teaching and learning with students, you see them grow and mature to achieve success which means that they become part of that tradition.
“My philosophy has always been about the individual, striving to get the best from them, working together so that they recognise and develop their ability and talents. For me a holistic education that includes the arts, sciences, humanities, languages, mathematics, English, religious education and physical education up to age 16 is vitally important - only then can a young person discover their real interests and talents. The number of times a sixth form student has shown delight and amazement on achieving a grade A but then reflected on the fact that they ‘would never have dreamed it possible when they started the GCSE course’.
“The work in the exhibition is testament to the young people who have passed through the school, have found their creativity, talent and abilities and pursued art, craft and design beyond school and into a career. They have answered my call to celebrate both the 40 years of their school’s existence and the teaching and enthusiasm of the staff who have worked in the Art Department. I treasure my memories of the many hours we spent learning and discovering together and am proud of their work and achievement.
“My thanks go to everyone who contacted me and made this exhibition possible. I hope you enjoy it.”
Some of the work is for sale. If you wish to buy anything, please contact John by email.
Opening times: weekdays 10am to 4pm, weekends 11am to 3pm.