Praise for arts exhibition

South Norfolk Council has won praise for its art exhibition “Ways of Seeing, South By South’s Best” from the Director of Exhibitions at a top London art gallery.

Tim Marlow is the Director of Exhibitions at The White Cube Gallery in London. And he recently presented channel Five’s Tim Marlow on A secret History of Clay from Gaugin to Gormley.

Because of his work with Antony Gormley, we sent Tim Marlow a photograph of one of the exhibits from Ways of Seeing, which was inspired by Gormley’s work. (see photographs enclosed)

Tim Marlow got back to us very quickly, to say he was “very impressed” by our efforts and that he wanted to comment on the project.

He said:

"Any venture which seeks to encourage creativity in schools is to be applauded and I'd like to salute South Norfolk Council for their 'Ways of Seeing' project.

“I very much like the look of the work done by the pupils of Robert Kett Junior School in Wymondham. It seems to be both an homage to Antony Gormley's 'Field' sculptures and a great piece of collaborative creativity. Perhaps they'd like to turn their attentions to Antony's monumental iron sculpture in Gateshead and try and produce an 'Angel of The East!

“Anyway, congratulations to all these budding artists and stick at it"

Last year’s Council Chairman Rev Cllr Clive Hudson whose work with young people culminated in the creation of the exhibition said:

“This exhibition is absolutely first class and deserves such high praise. The children and staff have put so much of themselves into their exhibits, and I found their efforts very moving. Their work reaches parts of me that other things cannot reach!

“It’s good to know that the work we do for the young people and the schools’ community in South Norfolk has been recognised and applauded.

“Come along and see the exhibition – it’s a perfect pick-me-up for England fans!”

Teacher Carl Wright, whose class at Robert Kett Junior School created the Antony Gormley inspired exhibit said:

"This work showed the way that children come in all shapes and sizes, yet together they make a school - who love to learn and play together.

“As a teacher, I now feel torn between real children and this sculpture: the clay figures are quiet, pay attention and will never forget their pencils!"

Anna McCarthy, Arts in Education Project Development Officer at Norfolk County Council who devised the vision and aims of the project said:

“I am absolutely delighted to have this recognition from Tim Marlow of the children of Robert Kett Junior School's work in our Ways of Seeing exhibition. It demonstrates the dynamism and vitality of new ideas .I think this is a wonderful example of the generative nature of creativity: one idea, one response, leads to another and evolves.

We are working really hard in Norfolk schools to support pupils to recognise, develop and celebrate their own creativity and to appreciate and respond to the creative and artistic endeavours of others. Working with SNC was an excellent example of this and I would like to thank them for this wonderful opportunity.”

The exhibition, which was opened on June 24 by Education Secretary Charles Clarke MP, runs at South Norfolk Council’s offices in Long Stratton until July 9.

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