The Lurner Prize 2021

LP’s very own version of the Turner Prize, the Lurner Prize, is back!

After a year off for the pandemic in 2020, the spirit of creative competition is back – alive and well. Moments of joy, discovery, freedom and mindfulness- all things that art, music, poetry and film can offer us, are combined in this celebration of talent. Students and staff are all invited to contribute their artistic endeavours, in whatever medium they prefer. This year’s entries have included embroidery, CGI art, origami, photography, wire sculpture, video, poetry, pastels, acrylics, and more.

Reflecting on the competition, Head of Art, Mark Wood, who has been organising the Lurner Prize since founding it in 2016 commented, “It is that creativity that we have sought to celebrate across our community and recognise that while this might only scratch the surface of what we have made, captured, recorded or written, it is a quite remarkable and eclectic mix that the judges have attempted to represent in a top 12, this year.”

The judges included the entire Art Department, Tom Scotcher, Chloe Tibbatts, Debbie Ince and Mark Wood, Head of Drama, Peter Scoggins, English teacher, Jonathan Porter-Hughes and professional artist and EAL teacher, Tom Cartmill. They met on Wednesday 15^th December keen to ensure a winner was chosen in time for Final Collect the following day.

The big reveal featured the judges favourite dozen (plus one extra courtesy of Physics teacher Jon Clarke’s telescope!) accompanied by their explanation of what had made them really stand out. Narrowing it down to the final three was a tough decision but after much deliberation they managed to announce a winner.

Lana (Year 9) was awarded first place for her gorgeous wire sculpture with miniature origami called ‘Look Up’ which the judges described as “…Quite simply beautiful.  Unanimous in our decision due the magical nature of the piece, delicately made and wonderfully imaginative…with incredible craftsmanship and attention to detail…fit for the stage!”. Second was Maths teacher, Duncan Laurie-Pile whose bluetit video captured via nestcam was simply stunning. “Captured in lockdown originally, but edited and brought back with a real sense of joy and warmth. PERFECT! 42 seconds of pure life” commented the judges. And in third place was Year 8 painter, Miles, whose evocative cityscape the judges thought displayed a “Real sense of time and place. Pensive and tranquil…calming muted colours that add to the atmosphere and fittingly capture the seasonal change…reminiscent of Lowry but more cheery…”. Miles commented “My mum said it was a good piece of art. When I saw my piece , I felt super happy in myself. The Art Dept is so nice and welcoming and can always help.” Overall winner, Lana, reflected, “When I first heard of the Lurner Prize in the beginning of Year 7 I was amazed by the work that other people were entering but I was too nervous to enter anything myself. Over lockdown I had felt like my art had improved and thought it would be a great idea to enter some of my work. I was really nervous about hearing the results especially seeing that there were so many amazing entries this year, once the top 14 was announced I was sure that I wasn’t going to be there but was really excited to see that I had made it to the leader board along with my friends. I’ve really enjoyed my time at the Art Department this term in both lessons and co-curricular activities. It’s been a great space to go to after a long day especially during Art Skills club where I was able to work on some of my art outside of lessons with my friends. The lessons have been great fun and the teachers really encourage students to expand their creativity and to explore a wide range of medias and artistic movements.” Equally pleased with his creative success Duncan commented, “I absolutely wanted to involve myself outside of my mathematical circle where opportunity arose. When it popped up on screen I was excited and proud to have made the last few. If you are thinking of entering next year I would say “Get involved. Share your unique gift or insight with the world no matter how simple, obscure or weird it might be. The weirder the more wonderful!”