Stories: Glendower’s 130th Anniversary Art Exhibition
Our 130th Anniversary celebrations culminated this week in a spectacular exhibition of pupil artwork entitled Stories. It was a joy to welcome so many parents and carers to celebrate the imagination, talent, and hard work of our young artists.
Throughout the term, Miss Jones guided the girls through the creation of both collaborative and independent projects that explored an inspiring range of themes, materials, and artistic styles. These formed the basis of our exhibition.
The Nursery children began their artistic journeys by experimenting with colour and shape while learning about the colour wheel. Inspired by Pablo Picasso’s bold use of colour and abstract form, their collaborative piece bursts with movement and energy – a joyful painting full of expressive, funny faces.
Reception invited visitors to wander through their stepping-stone garden, a work born from their fascination with nature and plants. Drawing inspiration from the Barbican Conservatory, the children painted vibrant designs on acrylic stones to create their own miniature installation.
Year 1 channelled the playful abstraction of Paul Klee in their imaginative self-portraits. Using pastels and a variety of 3D materials, the children layered colour, texture, and form to create a vibrant collage celebrating individuality and creativity.
Year 2 embraced the art of weaving through a collaborative textile piece inspired by Anni Albers. Experimenting with bold geometric patterns and richly coloured fibres, they worked together to interlace threads into rhythmic, layered designs that highlight teamwork and artistic tradition.
Year 3 turned their attention to the architecture of South Kensington and beyond. Their intricate watercolour and pen studies capture the textures, shapes, and details of our cityscape through the fresh eyes of young artists.
Year 4 produced colourful diptychs inspired by Henri Matisse, combining oil pastels and paper collage to tell stories in two distinct mediums. Their work explores how different materials can evoke a spectrum of emotions from a single subject.
Year 5 explored storytelling through personal memory, transforming moments from their own lives into expressive acrylic paintings. Some chose realism to recreate vivid memories, while others used stylised approaches to convey emotion and atmosphere – together, their work forms a moving collection of personal narratives.
Year 6’s self-portraits paid homage to Frida Kahlo, weaving symbols of nature and emotion into powerful compositions. Using colour and value with sensitivity, their paintings express stories of growth, resilience, and self-reflection.
Finally, Miss Jones and the Art Scholars presented a series of vibrant canvases inspired by Aboriginal artist Emily Kame Kngwarreye. Echoing her flowing lines, bold colours, and rich textures, each piece reflects a personal journey – a visual expression of the experiences, memories, and stories that shape us all.
Stories was a fitting finale to our anniversary celebrations; a joyful testament to creativity, collaboration, and the enduring power of art to connect us across generations.
For 130 years, Glendower Prep School has nurtured the curiosity, confidence, and creativity of girls, empowering them to express their voices and shape their own stories. This exhibition continues that legacy, reminding us that while our world has changed, the spirit of Glendower – one of imagination, courage, and a love of learning – remains constant. Through each brushstroke, sculpture, and collage, our pupils have not only celebrated the past but also looked boldly toward the future, carrying forward the values that have defined Glendower for more than a century: excellence, self-expression, and joy in discovery!
