Taking inspiration from the themes of Saunders’ work, students investigated the history of everyday people’s struggles for democracy and equality in the UK. They also explored a range of photographic approaches and techniques including staged, constructed and conceptual photography. Collaborating with artist Jonathan Turner, the students created their own distinctive viewpoints expressing who they are, and who they might have been in the past.

The result is a series of large-scale, highly detailed images in which a cast of young people use costume, props and locations to imagine scenes from eras of British history, completed using contemporary digital composite techniques.  As a counterpoint to their collective artworks, a series of portraits express the individuals’ identities and aspirations that break the conformity of the school uniform.

Participating schools: Carlton Bolling College, Dixons City Academy, Hanson Academy, Ilkley Grammar, Laycock Primary, Oasis Academy Lister Park, Parkside Creative Learning Trust, Peel Park Primary, Ryecroft Primary Academy, Shirley Manor Primary, St Columba’s Catholic Primary, Thornton Grammar.

To read more about the project visit  the project blog.

Funded by Arts Council England Strategic touring fund, with support from Bradford Metropolitan District Council.