A Fulwood school pupil has won first place in an international art competition.

Katie Williams, who is in year 9 at Archbishop Temple School, placed first in her age category in the Never Such Innocence competition.

Advertisements

The annual competition in poetry, art, speech and song focuses on conflict and its impact, and is open to young people aged nine to 18. This year’s theme was how conflict affects communities

Katie’s winning entry – a pencil drawing entitled Hide and Seek – depicts three young boys wearing long shorts and gas masks during World War II.

Ms Markham, Head of Art, said: “It is an absolutely amazing achievement to win first place in an age category. Last year entries came in from 43 countries, so it really is international.

“Apparently, Katie’s entry was the favourite not just with the panel of judges but also the organisation’s founder Lady Lucy French.

“It is especially pleasing as many of our year 9 pupils spent their lunchtimes finishing these pieces of work, Katie included, so we could meet the closing date when we began running out of lesson time with the school closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic imminent.”

Read more: Preston and Lancashire primary schools and nurseries told they can reopen on Monday 22 June

Katie said: “It shocks me to realise that children had to cope in such difficult circumstances during wartime. The image was so innocent and thought provoking I had to recreate it.

“Knowing that I have won first place in my age category makes me proud and inspired to do more artwork.”

Read more: Message of hope left on Preston’s Flag Market by city artist

The competition has previously concentrated on keeping the events of World War I in the minds of young people during the 100 year anniversary, from 2014 to 2018. Due to the international success of the project over those four years, the competition has expanded to include other conflicts.

Archbishop Temple School has had success in the competition in the past. The school had a third place winner in 2015 and the pupil, her parent and Ms Markham attended the awards ceremony at the House of Lords. Ms Markham was also lucky enough to attend the Finale at Buckingham Palace in November 2018, in recognition of the school’s support of the project.

Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines

What do you think of Katie’s artwork? Let us know in the comments.