ST. HILDAS UNVEIL UNIQUE ARTWORK TO MARK CENTENARY
BESPOKE ART TO BE UNVEILED AS PART OF ST HILDA’S CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS
St Hilda’s School in Bushey is to mark the end of its centenary celebrations by drawing on its historic artistic roots with the unveiling of a specially created artwork of the school.
Poppy Blakiston-Houston, has been carefully selected by St Hilda’s and The Herkomer Foundation to recreate the prestigious school in all its glory using the medium of watercolour. The painting, which is modern in style, will depict an open view of the school and grounds being enjoyed by pupils, celebrating the facilities available at St. Hilda’s
The painting is a fitting tribute to the schools origins, given its strong ties to art. The Herkomer Arts Foundation, a charity which aims to make the arts accessible, is named after painter Hubert Von Herkomer, who resided in the building that now houses St. Hilda’s Preparatory School. The building was transformed into a school in 1928 by Violet Curry and is now part of the Aldenham Foundation family of schools. Teaching continues to underpin founder Violet Curry’s original aim in establishing the school – to educate girls for the future, whatever that may be.
Sarah Jane Styles, Headteacher at the school, said: “St Hilda’s is a school steeped in history, and we see it as important for students to feel connected to that history. Our founder, Violet Curry strongly believed in educating girls for the future and even 100 years ago we were nurturing our pupils to strive for excellence and break glass ceilings. That ethos hasn’t changed, which is why we want to celebrate both how far we have come and the great things yet to come from St. Hilda’s. With this piece of art which draws on the history of St. Hilda’s we want to inspire a whole new generation to paint and to embrace their creative side.”
The painting is set to be unveiled at an afternoon tea hosted by St. Hilda’s. The event marks the last of the centenary celebrations and will be held on June the 7th 2019. The afternoon will see 120 former pupils return to the school and current F5 and F6 pupils will be giving tours of the school to showcase how the school has been receipt to positive changes over the years. The return of alumnae is testament to the impact that a St. Hilda’s education has. Ladies visiting will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with past pupils and staff as well as current staff over a delicious afternoon tea.
The year has been packed with celebrations to commemorate the centenary including a centenary logo being created, memorabilia for students, and new school signage as well as the celebratory ball in November, where alumnae joined current and former staff, along with their friends and family, for a memorable evening of festivities.
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