ART students have been flexing their muscles to producing willow tree sculptures to brighten up their school.
Under the guidance of Kate Boshier, head of art at Greenford High School they have transformed the wood into hedgehogs, whales and giraffes which have taken pride of place in the grounds of the school in Lady Margaret road, Southall.
Kate said the aim of the project was to give the 14 and 15-year-olds some down time after taking their art GCSEs. She said:"We wanted to create a legacy for the school by the students," adding jokingly:"so they could turn the school into the Tate Modern and then I can retire."
She said they ordered some of the willow and found the rest by the canal. They then had to soak it to make it more flexible. She said:"We tried not to use string and wire, because that would be too constricting. We wanted the students to come up with their own solutions. I have made willow sculptures before for the Hanwell Carnival, but not when you have to weave it together as we did here. It was extremely difficult. The students thought it would be easier than it was, but they rose to the occasion.
"The team work was amazing and the other pupils had a lovely surprise when they saw them outside. It now feels like they were always here."
She said the sculptures are pretty durable and expected to last around five years. The school also hopes to plant climbers at the end of the year.
