We were proud to celebrate the creative achievements of our pupils in the recent “Portrait of a Loved One” Art Competition, hosted by Amber Galleries in Henley Market Place. The competition, run by Education Henley in collaboration with the Portrait Foundation and acclaimed royal portrait artist Basia Hamilton, encouraged local students to produce meaningful portraits of someone close to the - be it a family member, friend or pet.
Among more than 120 entries from across the Henley area, Year 8 pupil Ollie Barron stood out with a deeply personal and moving black-and-white acrylic portrait of his late father, Nick. Ollie said:
‘I painted my dad because I really miss him, and he will always be with me.’
Ollie’s father sadly passed away in 2023, and a fundraiser in his memory raised over £20,000 for Thames Valley Air Ambulance. His portrait not only showcases technical skill but also demonstrates the emotional depth and personal connection that the competition sought to inspire.
The competition was open to schools throughout the area, and we were proud to participate alongside other local institutions. The initiative aims to foster artistic expression among young people with encouragement from world-class talent - Basia Hamilton herself painted Queen Elizabeth II as part of her celebrated royal commissions.
Other Shiplake pupils who entered included Year 7 pupils Arisa Greer, Audrey Edimoh, and Scarlett Hall.
Arisa chose her dog ‘Doogie’ to draw. She said:
‘He’s my cuddly best friend. I drew him with coloured pencils, and it took me 4-5 hours to complete. The nose was the hardest part.’
Winners will be announced during the Henley Festival’s Family Day on Sunday 13 July, with selected entries exhibited as part of the event’s celebration of youth and creativity.
We are incredibly proud of all our pupils who entered the competition. Their work reflects not only talent, but thoughtfulness, compassion and a willingness to share meaningful stories through art.
