ARTIST Rob Davies had a helping hand from pupils at Franksbridge School with new murals that are helping to brighten up the school.
The work took place over several months with children, teachers and parents chipping in with quotations from children’s books that could be included in the illustrations.
Rob, who works as a promotions and marketing officer for Powys Library Service, took on board the children’s ideas, working the quotations into his drawings which paid homage to popular children’s book illustrators such as Dr Seuss and Quentin Blake.
The quotations that were used were chosen by the School Council.
Rob gave up his own time at weekends to work on the paintings.
The children then had the thrill of watching the artwork evolve, gasping with delight on Monday mornings when they noticed the latest amendments.
The work was initially carried out in the school’s assembly room.
But the creativity did not stop there: Rob’s artwork inspired the school librarians to commission murals for Franksbridge School library.
Through donations, fundraising efforts by pupils and sponsorship raised by paragliders who took part in the British Club Challenge and North South Cup, the librarians raised enough money to transform the library, creating a space to fuel children’s imaginations.
Rob, who has experience working with families and children to develop reading skills, said: “This was a great school and community event – and I have nothing but admiration for the way the pupils, parents, friends of the school, school teaching staff and governing body have come together to support this inspiring idea.
“By celebrating their favourite literary quotes from renowned writers and illustrators in children’s literature, we can help inspire and encourage a love reading.
“It’s been a wonderful experience for everyone, including me.”