RENOWNED sculptor Alistair Lambert hosted a creative workshop for students at a Newton Abbot school.

Devon-based Alistair was a guest at Coombeshead Academy where he helped Year 10 3D art students  create an aviation sculpture to hang in the school’s gallery.

The two-day workshop was made possible by funding from Teignbridge arts charity The Helen Foundation. 

 The funding from the foundation allowed Coombeshead Academy to work with Alistair Lambert in sessions arranged by DAISI.  

DAISI runs an ongoing programme of artist-led workshops in schools, non-formal education settings, and communities.  

Alistair studied at Norwich Art School before completing a BA in Sculpture at Chelsea School of Art and an MA at the Royal College of Art. 

The aim was to produce a large commemorative piece of sculpture, to hang in the new gallery stairwell in the CREATE department at the school.  

Initially the students did some research and drawings focusing on World War One aviation.  

From the drawings and the large array of 3D materials on offer, the students were given the creative space to develop an individual large piece of sculpture supported by Alistair. 

The students were introduced to a range of techniques and processes to create their sculptures, such as drilling, manipulating and combing materials along with exploring a range of different colourful surfaces.  

The students produced a selection of pieces linked to WW1 aviation and flight. 

Helen Coulson, headteacher, said: ‘I am so grateful to The Helen Foundation for supporting us to put on this amazing workshop.  

‘Not only did the students take a huge amount away from spending two days with a successful professional artist, we now also have a new sculpture to hang in our gallery.’

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West said:

‘I was delighted to hear these Coombeshead students got to take part in such an informative and creative workshop with a local artist.  

‘The CREATE Creative Arts Academy at Coombeshead provides such a brilliant arts education and I am proud of the range of creative disciplines they offer to Newton Abbot students.’