Art Room in plea to former pupils

The Art Room, whose patron is the Duchess of Cambridge, started in 2002 with its first art as therapy session held at Oxford School, now the Oxford Spires Academy.

Juli Beattie set up the first Art Room, hosting sessions for 50 schoolchildren who had become disengaged from mainstream education.

Since then it has flourished, opening creative spaces for children struggling in schools in Oxford, London and Nottingham.

In 2008, Rose Hill Primary School signed up, followed by Orchard Meadow in Blackbird Leys last year. Windale Primary pupils can also be referred for help at Orchard Meadow.

The charity has enjoyed support from high-profile public figures including Channel Four News reader Jon Snow, a range of Oxford University academics and BBC Director General Mark Thompson.

Last year the Duchess was announced as the Art Room’s royal patron.

The charity will celebrate its milestone anniversary at the Museum of Modern Art, in Pembroke Street on Wednesday, April 25.

Art created by the students will be on display at the celebration, sponsored by the museum and Marks & Spencer, with trustees, supporters, students and patrons among those invited.

The charity is hoping Art Room graduates who have attended creative sessions over the years will join them.

Ms Beattie said: “The anniversary event is an opportunity for us to celebrate the work of the Art Room over the past decade – and to thank everyone who has supported us along the way. We could not have supported so many children without them.

“Big thanks go to the headteachers and staff who we have worked closely with in partnership.

“We would be delighted for former students to get in touch and join us in marking this occasion.

“We have worked with so many talented and creative young people over the years and we are so proud of what they have achieved.”

Any former students who would like to take part in the celebrations should call The Art Room on 01865 779779.