The National Gallery gives our schools professional easels to inspire young artists

The world-famous National Gallery, in London, has made a generous contribution of 35 professional, full-sized easels to BPET schools across London and Berkshire. This initiative is set to significantly enhance art education and inspire the next generation of creative talent across BPET's family of schools.

A Boost for Primary School Art

The 35 easels, which were recently retired from use within the National Gallery, are robust, high-quality wooden equipment. Their rehoming marks a fantastic opportunity for young pupils to experience professional artistic equipment and to work like professional artists.

BPET's commitment to delivering a broad and enriched curriculum is perfectly complemented by this contribution. The easels will be distributed across the trust’s primary schools, which include locations in Wandsworth, Hackney, Islington, Brent, and Berkshire, ensuring a wide reach for the equipment.

The contribution also compliments a recent grant of over £10,000 from The Goldsmith Centre which has been used to refurbish the art room at Halley House School in Hackney, equipping it with bespoke furniture able to cater for inclusive learning styles.

Connecting the National Collection with Local Schools

This contribution aligns perfectly with the National Gallery's dedication to making art accessible to all and supporting visual literacy beyond its Trafalgar Square location. The Gallery runs extensive learning programmes, including the annual Take One Picture initiative, which focuses on engaging primary school children with a single masterpiece from the collection.

Karen Eslea, Head of Learning and Programmes at the National Gallery, says: “We are delighted to offer some of our art materials to benefit pupils at the new art studio at Halley House School and those at the other schools that are part of the Bellevue Place Education Trust which supports the primary sector across London and Berkshire.”  

A spokesperson for the Bellevue Place Education Trust said: “We are very grateful to the National Gallery. Our focus is to provide an holistic education for every child, and this contribution falls perfectly into our commitment to offer every child a broad learning experience.”