'Something Plus: The (After)lives of Sculpture in Schools

About the event

In 1949, the Arts Council’s Director of Art Philip James suggested that a ‘well-placed piece of sculpture in the school grounds’ offers ‘something plus’—enhancing not just the immediate environment but expanding the character and imagination of students and staff. His comments were part of a broader postwar trend of purchasing and commissioning sculptures for school environments. The intention was often that these be activated through the curriculum and informal discussion, with pupils and school staff constructing meaning together.

Engaging with Leicestershire Education Authority’s daring sculptural commissions of the 1950s and 60s, and Rafał Zajko’s recent sculptures for St. Peter’s School in Huntingdon, this round-table discussion will explore the life of sculpture in schools, from the commissioning process onwards.

What does the presence of sculpture add to a school environment over time? How can sculpture and curriculum interact to help students actively construct their worlds? What roles might students play in the commissioning process, and what do they take from this? What does sculpture do that other artforms don’t? Join us to discuss these questions, and more!

With Dawn Glover, Head of Creative Enterprise at St. Peter’s School Huntingdon; Hugo Worthy, Curator of Leicester Gallery, De Montfort University, Leicester; and David Bell, Curator, Loughborough University. There will be the opportunity for audience questions and contributions.

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This event is part of Sculpture Week 2024 - a celebration of our campus sculpture collection featuring online talks and campus events. 

Find out about Sculpture Week 2024

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Image: We Were Here (Producers), 2023, Natural stone powder, bio resin, pigment. Photo credit Rob Harris