WITHIN our Key Stage 3 art and design curriculum at Downend School, students develop their practical skills and theoretical knowledge by embracing a range of materials, techniques and artistic inspirations.
On this particular project, our students were inspired by contemporary British illustrator Mark Powell. He is well known for his highly detailed and textured portraits which he creates using biro pens.
Powell often adds layers of meaning to his artworks by drawing onto historical maps or found items, such as envelopes from the war.
Having already chosen a historical map of Bristol as our canvas, our portrait subject was an easy choice.
A national treasure and local Downend hero, William Gilbert (WG) Grace is not only internationally recognised as one of the greatest cricket players to ever live, and a pioneer of the game, but also as a fierce style icon and original sports influencer.
His style of clothes, overwhelming presence and iconic beard proved the essential combination for our young artists to create some brilliant portraits, full of detail, texture and contrast.
WG Grace’s image was recreated by many artists in his own lifetime, on pub signs, postcards and cartoons.
This fame gave him opportunities to make a lot of money, with his iconic imagery used to advertise Colman’s Mustard, Players Navy Cut tobacco and Ogden Tab cigarettes.
This imagery was avidly collected by his numerous young fans, particularly in the form of cigarette cards (something we would find both morally objectionable and illegal today).
This fame meant that tickets were often more expensive when he played, cleverly using and managing his ‘social media’ presence through his look and story.
WG Grace: Downend’s own influencer, a Victorian icon still known today.
Downend Community History and Art Project (CHAP) is a not-for-profit voluntary organisation that aims to create a coherent identity and sense of belonging for Downend and Emersons Green, built around interesting or significant places, people and events from the past.
For more information visit CHAP’s website at www.downendchap.org, email big.gin@talktalk.net or write to CHAP, 49 Overnhill Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 5DS.
Jordan Thompson
Art and design teacher
Downend School