Arts

27 Nov 09

Secondary school pupils attended the Big Draw event at the Museum of Natural History.

This week a group of secondary school pupils visited the Oxford University Museum of Natural History to take part in an event celebrating the architecture of the Museum.

The Big Draw was organised to be part of a series of events which will celebrate next year’s 150th anniversary of the opening of the iconic building. Therefore the work focused on the architecture of Benjamin Woodward and Thomas Deane, the stone carving of the O'Shea brothers and the ironwork of Thomas Skidmore.

The event was organised by artist and teacher at St Helen and St Katherine, Jane McDonald; Adrian Brooks, art education officer for the Oxford University Museums and supported by Susan Hunter, head of art at Larkmead School, Abingdon.

Leading the day was award-winning and internationally known artist Jeanette Barnes RA.

Adrian Brooks said: 'We were delighted that Jeanette was able to come and lead this event for us. She specialises in drawing from iconic buildings around the world so the OUMNH was a perfect subject for her. It was great to see the students so interested in the project and to see how their work progressed throughout the session.'

Visitors watched fascinated as the 35 Oxfordshire sixth form students attending the day made large graphite and pencil studies, covering the Great Court floor with their work and spreading to every corner of the building.

An exhibition of their work is planned next year in the Museum as part of the 150th anniversary. There are also plans for an animation and a film based on the Museum by local school age students.