YOUNGSTERS across the Vale have been inspired by professional artists to design war themed banners to encourage ‘peace and harmony’.
The collection of First World War banners created by Vale school children have been put on display in the entrance of the Civic Centre in Pershore.
Artists Christine Todd, Marie-Therese King and Emma Jackson, helped the pupils with silk paints, felt, stitching, collage and batik to bring the thought-provoking banners to life.
The ideas for the design came about when school children from Abbey Park Middle, Elmley Castle, Bredon Hill Middle, Vale of Evesham, Eckington and Overbury were given a talk by Ellen Honeybunn, education co-ordinator for the Number 8 in Pershore.
They were educated on the importance of peace and harmony and were encouraged to think about how it could be interpreted.
The schools were also given a copy of Pershore’s First World War centenary commemorative book, ‘Pershore Men of the Great War’, which helped the children to research the subject prior to creating their banners.
Jenny Davis, Wychavon’s arts development officer said: “I think it’s really important children remember the First World War and particularly its local relevance.
“It’s brilliant we were able to bring in such great artists to work with the children and I think the banners they produced are excellent.”
The banners will be on display at the Civic Centre until September.
