Youngsters made mosaics, photo animations, felt and silk paper during the inaugural school visit to the £1million Atelier development, based at Burton Manor College.

Around 30 pupils from Bishop Wilson CE Primary School in Burton spent the day gaining first-hand experience of arts and crafts during a series of workshops hosted by artisans based at Atelier.

At the end of the day, the pupils were able to take home the items they had made. The visit was attended by Bishop Wilson’s Headteacher, Sue Warner, the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tim Wheeler and Dean of Education and Children’s Services, Anna Sutton, and Principal of Burton Manor College, Keith Chandler.

Funded by the University of Chester and the Northwest Regional Development Agency’s Rural Recovery Fund, Atelier provides arts and crafts studios in picturesque surroundings to artists setting up in business.

Pam Dawson, Atelier Centre Co-ordinator, said: “The Atelier provides a stimulating and creative learning environment for all ages and offers a wide variety of original, creative and responsive learning to those who visit.

“The team at Atelier were delighted to be able to welcome Bishop Wilson Primary School for what we hope will be the first of many school visits.”

Atelier provides an ideal venue for school visits, with educational activities that develop awareness of traditional craft, contemporary fine art, and digital creative industries.

Organised activities can be flexible in length, ranging from two-hour taster sessions to a full day of hands-on learning with the artists in residence. In partnership with schools, the Atelier team has developed a range of curriculum-centred activities which are covered from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 3.

Atelier was launched earlier this year, and is dedicated to promoting local artists and participation in arts and crafts. For the local community, classes and short courses encourage visitors to explore their creative potential, while lectures are offered by artisans related to their expertise.

Schools are now invited to arrange activities and workshops to increase their pupils’ awareness of traditional crafts, contemporary fine art and digital and creative industries.

For more information, please contact Pam Dawson on 0151 353 8783 or email p.dawson@chester.ac.uk