The artistic talents of Lewis Cameron, a Year 7 student from Harrow Way, were recognised recently following a competition organised by The Roche Court Educational Trust. Each year Roche Court holds an annual art competition open to schools in Hampshire and Wiltshire. The 2010 competition was inspired by internationally renowned furniture designer, Matthew Hilton Artists’ Chairs.
Lewis was awarded a Commended in the Junior Category by the judges Matthew Hilton and Sarah Staton, who presented him with their book at a prize giving on Saturday 27 November at Roche Court. This special event also coincided with the opening of two exhibitions at the Art Center; Edmund de Waal ceramics & Anthony Caro jewellery in the Artists House and Camilla Low sculpture in the Gallery. Lewis’ design was also displayed there. Â
Head of Art, Sylvia Harvey, accompanied Lewis and his mother during the presentation that was held in sub zero temperatures. Poor Lewis really felt the cold as he had left his coat in the car that had dropped him off for the event! His shivering could have been mistaken for excitement as it was a most rewarding and unusual event for any student to attend.
Lewis was surrounded by numerous visitors from London who had travelled on the coach from Tate Britain and were eager to converse with our art student. He was asked many questions about his inspiration, starting point and the success of his outcome.
The full gathering of visitors to Roche Court, about 200 people, stood in the parkland grounds to witness the initial introduction of all prize winners by Madelaine and the presentation by Matthew Hilton. Cameras quickly seized the opportunity and a full scale photo shoot evolved around the students who were all shivering by then!
Lunch was quickly served in the house and we were all pleased to be able to thaw in close proximity of the log fires while tucking into a welcome meal; I noted that Lewis has a real weakness for chocolate dessert!
During this relaxed event Lewis confidently chatted with other adults who were interested in his competition work. His work board was displayed in the Educational Centre which was constantly visited and photographed throughout the afternoon.
Harrow Way Art Teacher Chrissy Collins comments: “This competition required the students to apply both their artistic flair to the practical solutions of art and design in order to design and create something that is equally beautiful and practical – a marriage of the two.â€
The competition process saw the students work with card, clay, and chalk pastels creating and drawing various chairs with these mediums. The finale saw the students create their very own Designer Chair and it was Lewis’s creation which made famous furniture designer Matthew Hilton sit up somewhat!