The Globe Primary School, Bethnal Green, Tower Hamlets
The theme was animals from around the globe as it was for Globe Primary School, and everything in the design was drawn by children in Artyface workshops. Hundreds of patterned handmade ceramic tiles were made with the very youngest children to include in the mosaic.
With a team of 2 of the regular Artyface crew, Maud and up to 8 volunteers put the mosaics up then grouted and polished them. The gorgeous mosaics attracted volunteers to help work from the neighbourhood as young as 6 and up to 50. One elderly gentleman must have been in his late 80’s stopped to praise the work, he had attended the school and even slept and lived in it during the war when his family lost not one but 2 homes in the Blitz.
We would like to thank Ardex, Fired Earth and Reed Harris tiles for donations of materials as well as the fabulous volunteers who have helped to make this project even better and bigger than it would have otherwise have been. Also special thanks to the school for generously putting the mosaic outside on the street, and to all who laid a tile from every child, teacher, parent, caretaker, cooks and all: you know who you are!
Here’s a short video of work in progress:
‘We have really enjoyed it and the mosaic project has enriched the school community, as well as brightening up a dull January. The children are really excited and enthusiastic, even coming in their lunch-breaks whenever they can. We have had many parents working alongside the artists too and the whole school has taken part. I thoroughly recommend Maud and the team.’
Marie Maxwell
Headteacher
‘I really like the way we had to all work together and it was fun trying to put the pieces together.’
Daisy Carpel
‘It was exciting to use glass.’
Irfan Miah
‘I looked at the mosaic everyday before school: it is just fantastic. Thank you to all your team and yourself for all your hard work – we can’t wait for the unveiling.’
Nicola Lennon
Art Co-ordinator