Preston Lodge Scholars Go to Pot

Here's the challenge. Half the class off on a trip away and the other half thinking what to do. Where better to go than the baronial foreshore? Well, maybe several places might be more appealing but after three days, tired and proud, they had a fine mural to show for it! And as a venture in community involvement it has everything and more to commend it. There are already plans for much more in the years ahead.

Following in the traditions of Katikati in New Zealand and of Ken Done in Bowen, Queensland, the scholars concerned set about depicting some of the pottery that has been made in Prestonpans over the past two centuries. And they had two very experienced muralists to guide them as well as the school's non-art teachers.

The Potters mural was completed by the students and teachers below in the last week of term in June 2002. Under the guidance of muralist Andrew Crummy and several teachers, the students produced a 70 foot mural in just under four days. At first all the students and teachers from Prestonlodge High School did not believe they could produce such a quality mural that would have such an impact.

All the students had to design a plate based on this rich theme, then in teams of 4 or 5 under the guidance of a teacher produce a copy of a 'classic' piece of pottery from Prestonpans.

The Painters, pictured below with Andrew Crummy who led the team (centre white T shirt) and Kate Hunter (extreme left) surprised themselves at what could be achieved in just three days. They also surprised and delighted neighbours and the Minister, Robert Simpson, who officially declared the mural open at 3pm followed by cakes and non alcoholic beverages at the first party in The Gothenburg since it joined the Baron Courts.

The artists who signed themselves to be the following:

Charlene Frame, Nicola Leishman, Jan, Leanne Lopie, Cassandra Chalmers, Amanda Jane Thomson, Stephen Kerr, Alex Hodgson, Bob G, Mrs Mercer, Scott Robertson, AG, AS, Ashliegh Young, Lesley Stokes, Alice Meller, Stacey McConnachie, Scott Robertson, Billy, Johnson, Lauren Keller, M S Whalcott, Robyn Smith, Sarah Jane McMullan, Megan Denholm, Debbie Smith, Stacey Steele, ASC, AM, Alastair Sutherland, Michele Bould, Alan Malone, AS, Andrew Crummy and Kate Hunter.

Click on the pictures for an enlargement

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