HUNDREDS of arty Leamington schoolchildren have contributed to a book which is being launched at the town’s Art in the Park festival.
Pupils from Clapham Terrace Primary School, Radford Semele C of E Primary School and Sydenham Primary School donated artwork to ‘The Hidden Elephants of Leamington Spa’ – a story by children’s author Lee Sterrey celebrating the town’s historic link with elephants.
The art project – which was sponsored by Warwick District Council and supported by BID Leamington and Art in the Park – contains more than 500 pieces of artwork from 450 children.
It will be available to buy from the festival, which is held in Jephson Gardens on the weekend of August 5 and 6.
Author Lee said: “It has taken six months to complete and many hours have gone into compiling the pictures, some which contain over 100 pieces in one scene.
“All of the artwork has come from primary school-age children from Leamington so it is a real celebration of the local community.”
The story touches on the famous elephants known as The Three Graces and recreates a scene of them walking down the Parade. It takes an imaginative twist by introducing some fictional elephants known as the Naughty Nine who like to play tricks.
Director of BID Leamington Stephanie Kerr said: “With this year’s Art in the Park having a circus theme, it will be the perfect place to launch a book that celebrates the town’s legendary links with Victorian elephant trainer and circus acrobat Sam Lockhart.”
Copies cost £6.99 and can be purchased during the festival at a pop up book shop at North Lodge and can also be bought online from Amazon.
