School of Makers

Sheffield Year of Making commission by Yorkshire Artspace, with the generous support of the High Sheriff of South Yorkshire 2016-17, Julie MacDonald for Manor Lodge Primary School, sheffield. The ‘School of Makers’ artwork is all about the past, present and future makers who make Sheffield a City of Making. I worked with 90 7-9 years olds from the school. The designs for the eight panels are taken from children’s drawings of tools, lent by Sheffield makers and of Sheffield made artifacts. The children explored materials and processes that have been part of the history of their locality, such as weaving, metalworking and pottery. They made all the individual elements, which have been collaged together and mounted onto each panel. The location and presence of the artwork in the school hall was key when finalising the design. The artwork is a contemporary take on the tradition of displays of arms in baronial halls. Instead of weapons, it celebrates tools as symbols of creativity and prosperity. The self-portraits that the children carved appear like 21st century gargoyles looking over the school community.