Bradley Barton pupils create snapshot of National Trust manor house

Bradley Manor opened its gates to pupils of Bradley Barton Primary and their cameras for a special photo shoot of unusual and inspirational architectural features of the medieval manor house exterior.

The children learnt about camera angles, close ups and panoramic views under the expert guidance of professional artist Kate Green. They also learned about the heritage of the mediaeval property and how changes happened to its features over the last 700 years.

Teignbridge Design and Fine Arts Society (TDFAS) joined forces with the National Trust to fund the project, which will culminate in the printing of a commemorative art book of digitally enhanced images and words created by the young people involved.

With the additional help of a grant from the National Design and Fine Arts Society, the group of 10 year olds will be able to work back at school with the photos and create their own unique artwork.

School pupils commented: “I liked taking pictures of the building, and I am really excited to see the book” and, “I learnt a lot about using different angles in photographs.”

A copy for each child was presented at school on Monday 21 July and their families will be invited to visit Bradley Manor to see the inspiration behind the book. The book will also be available for visitors to view over the summer.

Carly Mays, Community Involvement Officer for the National Trust English Riviera said: “Involving the community and young people in their local heritage is really important to us as a conservation charity, and it was great to hear the pupils commenting on how amazing the house was and to see they were genuinely excited to go inside and take a look around.”

TDFAS Young Arts representative Frances Moule, commenting on the success of the project said: “It had given the children a lasting enthusiasm for arts, heritage and its conservation.”

New members wishing to join TDFAS are most welcome. They meet once a month at the Community Centre, Newton Abbot to listen to national experts on a range of art topics.

Please get in touch with the Membership Secretary Daphne Driver on 01626 834786 for further details.

Come and see the book for yourself in situ at Bradley Manor this summer For information about visiting, look online at http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bradley/ or call 01803 661907.