Joe Scarborough Unveils ‘School Days’
There was a special surprise when Sheffield artist Joe Scarborough took to the stage in the main school hall to unveil his latest creation, ‘School Days’, as more than 1200 guests including pupils, former pupils, their families and friends of the school attended a ‘Retirement Garden Party’ thrown in Mrs Dunsford’s honour on Saturday 30 June.
Joe was invited by the school to paint one of his famous city panorama chronicles to help mark Mrs Dunsford’s retirement. He chose some of the iconic buildings, scenes and moments from her 14 years at the school, celebrating many familiar and fond memories, from school productions to music and trips abroad to create the artwork.
Mrs Dunsford was also treated at a celebratory party to a portrait of herself by budding artist and A Level student Anna Eason. Anna said: ‘It was an honour to paint Mrs Dunsford’s portrait. She has been an inspiration to so many students here over the past 14 years.’
Mrs Dunsford said: ‘Joe picked up on so many school and personal memories I have from the Taj Mahal, a nod to the cultural and community trip which I organised in February 2017 and which will be happening again in 2019, to the ski trip, the Wizard of Oz production, the equestrian team and girls taking part in sport as well as my love of music with the choir and orchestra. She continued:’I was so honoured to receive the painting; it is such a thoughtful gift and one which I will cherish.’
Guests were entertained with musical and gymnastic performances by current pupils, a silent disco and garden games while food was provided by Proove Pizza and food-based businesses run by former pupils including Hattie and Emily Webster who own Fizz and Fromage, Lizzie Schofield who runs Bakes by Butter and Froconut by Elly Blackwell.
Joe Scarborough is one of South Yorkshire's most successful painters and his works adorn the walls of private and public buildings across the region. The painting will help develop the school’s outreach programme, as 500 limited edition signed prints are now on sale for £40 each from the school.
Anyone wanting to purchase a limited edition print of School Days, please click on the relevant link below: