Our Art Department here at BGS didn’t have to look far for inspiration for this year’s Canvas Competition theme, ‘The Space Between’.

In fact, they found it just across Elton Road, basking in the late winter sunshine and casting shadows across the brilliant tiles of The 1532. The source of inspiration was none other than Southern Shade I (2012), the striking sculpture donated to the School last year by Nigel Hall RA, OB 1960.

To celebrate the remarkable range of colourful and emotive canvases created by students across the Senior School (Years 7–11), our art department invited Nigel to judge the competition and select a few winning works.

He was delighted to be involved, noting how privileged he felt to have his work inspire this year’s theme. Reflecting on the judging process, he admitted: “I thought it would be quite a task but hadn’t realised quite how difficult it would be.”

Speaking further about the submissions, Nigel praised the exceptionally high standard: “The level achieved by all is extraordinarily high and therefore to choose winners seems invidious, as each could be considered a winner. If I must follow my brief, I would preface it by saying that it is just a personal opinion on a certain day.”

Among the youngest entrants, Nigel admired the robust panda by Rohan, happily parting the grass to create space within the composition. His Year 7 winners, however, were Emma’s beautifully drawn figures on swings and Elodie’s intricate and compelling labyrinth.

In Year 8, Holly’s carefully observed seascape stood out, with sunlight delicately rendered beneath the clouds. Joshua’s dynamic leaping figure, full of suspense and strong composition, also caught Nigel’s eye, alongside Leo’s striking zebra, which explored the interplay of positive and negative space with a distinctly constructivist approach. Thomas’s mysterious cosmic scene, hinting at vastness and astronomy, offered yet another imaginative interpretation of the theme.

From Year 9 and above, Nigel highlighted the wit of Tom’s bookshelf, the richly painted river scene by Preetika, and Solomon’s interwoven chain link composition. Hannah’s work, depicting a highly charged relationship through colour, symbols and design, and Lyla’s complex collage were also particularly commended. 

We are delighted to have reconnected with Nigel, whose generous donation is already having a lasting impact on life at BGS and continuing to inspire the creativity of our pupils.

Our thanks go to the Art Department for organising such a thoughtful and engaging competition, and to all the students who took part.

Congratulations to every entrant and as Nigel himself noted, the breadth and quality of work made this an exceptionally difficult task to judge.