Dacre school’s coronation bench to be displayed in Tower of London

A primary school in Nidderdale has won a national competition to design a coronation bench, which will be displayed in the Tower of London.

Historic Royal Palaces invited schools across the UK to take part in the competition to mark the coronation.

About 1,500 took part and Dacre Braithwaite Church of England Primary School has been chosen as one of 15 winners.

Children from Year 2 to Year 6 at Dacre formed a coronation art club, which met weekly. Their designs were based on what the pupils learned about the historical importance and symbolism of the coronation, as well as their own ideas on the vision and values of the monarchy.

Head teacher Jo Dobbs said:

“The children were inspired by these discussions and the coronation bench designs evolved from there with every child contributing many pieces of art during ‘thought shower’ sessions, enabling everyone to contribute ideas and pictures for each theme.

“Designs were then amalgamated, some re-drawn and shrunk down to fit the template whilst maintaining the details that the children imagined and drew.”

This bench was brought to life in collaboration with artist Jenny Leonard – a community-driven commission artist, specialising in murals and art trails.

It shows the sun’s rays beaming down over the four UK nations, highlighting the values supported by the King: championing young people; supporting the Commonwealth; environmental conservation and sustainable farming.

The bee is the school’s symbol and the children chose a crown to represent the King. The school’s values decorate the sides of the bench with bees and crowns.

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