Solihull students show off artistic talents in exhibition

Artists of all ages have showcased their work at an annual art and photography exhibition at Solihull School.

Every year group at the independent school took part in the event, from year three up to the sixth form.

Notable pieces included Jessie Lloyd’s art installation ‘The Human Condition’, which is the first full installation at the school and included an eight-foot oil painting and life-sized wax figure. Jessie has been offered a place at Glasgow School of Art in September, a rare achievement for a student who has not studied an art foundation diploma.

Benjamin Watson’s three oil paintings of his mother, father and grandmother, which took longer than three months to complete, also proved popular.

Solihull artist Fiona Payne joined the event as a guest, in addition to the workshops she hosts throughout the year with the school’s pupils.

The school also presented awards in its year five postcard and poetry competition, which was open to primary school children in the area. Entries were based on the theme ‘Go Wild for Wildlife’.

The winner of the postcard competition was Barnaby Heaven, from Eversfield Preparatory School, and the winner of the poetry competition was Harry Green, from Hallfield School.

Giving our pupils the opportunity to express their creativity is a big part of what we do here and I was extremely impressed by the standard of work on show this year – David EJJ Lloyd, Headmaster

Solihull School headmaster David EJJ Lloyd said: “Giving our pupils the opportunity to express their creativity is a big part of what we do here and I was extremely impressed by the standard of work on show this year.

“I think everyone at the school has been inspired by the talent the artists have demonstrated.”

Solihull School has a fine pedigree in the arts, highlighted by the recent success of Amy Mitchell Meades who won first place at the NADFAS (National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies) West Midlands Make Your Mark Young Arts competition. 

Amy, who studied fine art as an A Level at Solihull School, was inspired to create her work, Loss of Self, by her grandfather’s experience with dementia.