Local artist, Lucy Unwin, unveiled a specially commissioned sculpture this week to mark the successful 
relocation of her old school – St Mary’s Junior School – to its beautiful new home in Chaucer Road.
The sculpture, made of metal rods, shows an adult and two children playing and symbolises the supportive relationships between St Mary’s teachers and their pupils.
Lucy completed her A-levels at St Mary’s in 2002 before studying Fine Art Sculpture at Winchester School of Art. She now has a studio in Gloucestershire where she specialises in stone and metal work.
She said: ‘I was absolutely delighted to be approached by my old school to design a one off piece in celebration of the Junior School’s new home. I have such fond memories of my time at St Mary’s and they have been very supportive of my career. I want the sculpture to represent the loving and supportive ethos that St Mary's provides. I feel privileged that the sculpture will be a feature that all students will be able to view and enjoy.’
Head of Juniors, Christepher Hald, said: ‘The girls and staff of St Mary’s are very grateful to Lucy for designing this stunning sculpture for us at this exciting time. The fact that she is a former pupil of the school makes it even more special.’
St Mary’s Junior School recently opened a new purpose-designed building for pupils in Reception to Year 2. This building has an independent suite of rooms with an imaginative outdoor playing area for the dedicated use of younger pupils.
The girls also have use of a well-stocked library, an impressive hall and the stunning grounds including our Sensory Garden and all-weather tennis and netball court. Its opening marked the final stage of the relocation of St Mary’s Junior School from Bateman Street to the beautiful site in historic Chaucer Road.