School pupils’ big day out on the tiles

The stunning work of S2 Art and Design pupils at Kilwinning Academy is officially unveiled off the town’s revamped Main Street.

A bright, new, tiled mural has been created as part of the pupils’ contribution to the regeneration of their town. The modern creative artwork takes the form of murals painted onto ceramic tiles in a tunnel leading from the shops and Abbey to the car park area. The project was organised by Irvine Bay Regeneration Company, which also carried out the £2.9 million refurbishment of Main Street.

For the pupils the project contributed to the new curriculum  - Curriculum for Excellence - applying learning in the context of the local area, gaining skills for life and work through meeting a real life design brief.

The theme for the artwork is based on ‘Interpretations of Kilwinning’ and involves the expertise of an artist to support and guide the work.

James Ledgerwood, Project Manager at Irvine Bay Regeneration Company, said: “The project has been successful in every way – in the quality of the work the young people have produced; in engaging them with the process of regenerating their town; and in the creation of a lasting legacy for their town.

“In addition, the pupils have gained real experience of fulfilling a commercial brief and some real-life work experience.”

Senior pupils visited the Glasgow School of Art as part of the project where they were taught how to transfer the images on to ceramic tiles. The senior pupils worked with the S2 pupils to transfer the final, selected designs.

An artist worked with the pupils to develop their ideas.