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22 November 2021
The traditional red telephone box, which sits in a prominent position opposite the north end of The Parade, has been given a new lease of life as Leamington’s smallest art gallery in a project led by the Friends of Christchurch Gardens. Secretary of the Friends of Christchurch Gardens, Paul Dickins, said, “We are delighted that Leamington Town Council approved our proposal for a mini art gallery, investing in the refurbishment and restoration of the kiosk. We are looking forward to exhibitions by pupils from local schools and anticipate some wonderful creativity!”
During the summer, ‘The Art Box’ was brought to life by a group of Year 8 and 9 pupils who showcased colourful images from their lockdown photography project. Coordinated by Kingsley’s Head of Art, Ed Lax, the project was one of a number of lockdown initiatives introduced by the school to keep the Kingsley community ‘together’ and provide pupils with a creative outlet; they were set a new photography challenge each week and enjoyed sharing and discussing their work via an online portal.
A new gallery of landscapes has recently been unveiled, featuring custom-sized oil pastel pieces by Year 8 artists designed to fit perfectly in each window. The pieces were inspired by the colourful and expressive paintings of American artist Jim Musil and can be enjoyed by passers-by until the end of the month. The exhibition space will then be passed over to the pupils at Milverton Primary School.
Kingsley’s Head of Art, Ed Lax, said: “The art department is always looking for new and interesting ways to celebrate students’ talents, so when the Friends of Christchurch Gardens approached us earlier this year we were thrilled. The photographs and art have created a real talking point within the community, and students have enjoyed sharing their work with members of the public.”
