A group of creative students from The Gilberd School have collaborated with a local artist to brighten Highwoods Community Centre.
Coordinated by Colchester City Council and funded by Essex County Council Local Community Fund, The Gilberd School Legacy Project has culminated in a stunning mural at the Highwoods Community Centre, celebrating the city’s rich history and development in a vibrant pop-art style.
The project aimed at fostering creativity and community engagement among students through collaborative projects that enhance public spaces and celebrate local heritage.
The school held a mural design competition, in October 2023, receiving over 65 entries. From these, 15 winners were selected. Students involved in the project then met up with mural artist Adrian Leroy to discuss the final design of the mural.
The artwork from the students captures the essence of Colchester's landmarks and heritage. Notable sites such as Colchester Castle, St. Botolph’s Priory, St John’s Abbey Gate, Sage House, the Town Hall, Jumbo Tower, and Firstsite are prominently featured, showcasing the city's evolution through a creative lens.
The mural took Adrian months to complete and serves as a testament to the students' artistic vision and dedication.
On 8 July, the winning students, representatives from St John's & Highwoods Community Centre, and artist Adrian Leroy gathered with local councillors, including Councillor Alison Jay, Councillor Simon Appleton (Highwoods ward councillors), and Councillor Natalie Sommers, to unveil the mural and share their insights about the project.
Councillor David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, said: “The artwork brightens up and brings energy to the community. This collaborative effort between the students and Adrian has brought colour and life to the area. We hope to have more collaborative mural projects in the future, where members of the community can foster a sense of city pride and beautify public spaces.”
Paul Tanton, Deputy Head Teacher of The Gilberd School, said: “The Gilberd School values supporting the local community. We look forward to being involved in future projects within the local area.”
Julie Clark, Lead Teacher of The Gilberd School, added: “It has been a pleasure to help facilitate this student led project. Valuable skills have been developed as the students engaged with the different stages of the project. It was wonderful to see students from different year groups working to achieve a common goal.”
Adrian Leroy said: “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the school on this piece. We worked together to develop a design that would reflect the local area’s rich history and incorporate their creativity to showcase the historical sides of Colchester City.”
Coordinated by Colchester City Council and funded by Essex County Council Local Community Fund, The Gilberd School Legacy Project has culminated in a stunning mural at the Highwoods Community Centre, celebrating the city’s rich history and development in a vibrant pop-art style.
The project aimed at fostering creativity and community engagement among students through collaborative projects that enhance public spaces and celebrate local heritage.
The school held a mural design competition, in October 2023, receiving over 65 entries. From these, 15 winners were selected. Students involved in the project then met up with mural artist Adrian Leroy to discuss the final design of the mural.
The artwork from the students captures the essence of Colchester's landmarks and heritage. Notable sites such as Colchester Castle, St. Botolph’s Priory, St John’s Abbey Gate, Sage House, the Town Hall, Jumbo Tower, and Firstsite are prominently featured, showcasing the city's evolution through a creative lens.
The mural took Adrian months to complete and serves as a testament to the students' artistic vision and dedication.
On 8 July, the winning students, representatives from St John's & Highwoods Community Centre, and artist Adrian Leroy gathered with local councillors, including Councillor Alison Jay, Councillor Simon Appleton (Highwoods ward councillors), and Councillor Natalie Sommers, to unveil the mural and share their insights about the project.
Councillor David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, said: “The artwork brightens up and brings energy to the community. This collaborative effort between the students and Adrian has brought colour and life to the area. We hope to have more collaborative mural projects in the future, where members of the community can foster a sense of city pride and beautify public spaces.”
Paul Tanton, Deputy Head Teacher of The Gilberd School, said: “The Gilberd School values supporting the local community. We look forward to being involved in future projects within the local area.”
Julie Clark, Lead Teacher of The Gilberd School, added: “It has been a pleasure to help facilitate this student led project. Valuable skills have been developed as the students engaged with the different stages of the project. It was wonderful to see students from different year groups working to achieve a common goal.”
Adrian Leroy said: “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with the school on this piece. We worked together to develop a design that would reflect the local area’s rich history and incorporate their creativity to showcase the historical sides of Colchester City.”
Page last reviewed: 25 July 2024