York House Honour War Heroes With ‘Human Wreath’ Artwork

By School House

2 years ago


15 November 2022, Hertfordshire – Pupils at York House, a local independent prep school on the outskirts of Croxley Green, have paid tribute to British war heroes this Remembrance Day with a unique artwork display to symbolise strength and unity. Pupils at the top of the school, were asked to think about what poppies represent on Remembrance Day and to use their creativity to build a collaborative ‘human wreath’ using their own hands as a canvas for the artwork.

York House pupils with their artwork
York House pupils with their artwork

The children used body paint and fine brushes to delicately paint various artistic representations of the humble poppy onto their hands in a bid to highlight strength and the overcoming of adversity.

Children painting their representation of the humble poppy on their hands
Children painting their representation of the humble poppy on their hands

Elaine Fraser, Head of Art at York House School explained: ‘Every year we look to create a piece of Remembrance artwork as a collaborative sign of respect from our school and community. This year, we wanted to do something different. Each pupil worked diligently on their individual designs which were painted onto their hands, before being brought together in a final unified piece to honour those who fought together in the face of adversity. We are proud and touched that our pupils recognised the privilege of exhibiting this artwork outside of our school entrance on Remembrance Day by choosing to stand silently ‘on guard’ in the cold, as a mark of respect to our fallen.’

'Human Wreath' artwork created by York House pupils
‘Human Wreath’ artwork created by York House pupils

The Remembrance Day service at York House also included a special assembly focused on the sounds of the trenches and a talk on why the Last Post is so important to our country’s remembrance events. The school also welcomed eminent guest, Dr Kandiah, Chairman of a committee seeking to revolutionise the history curriculum across England from 2024 onwards.

See York House School’s online listing here.