Hill Side win first ‘Place’ in the 2024 House Art Competition

In a communal display of creativity, teamwork and talent, each of the School’s Houses exhibited their entries for this year’s Art competition.

‘Place’ was the chosen theme, which led to a wonderful array of interpretations as to what this meant to each House. From the literal to the more abstract, including nods to the homes of students and the memories and emotions specific places evoke, the breadth of media employed captivated the audience.

Hayley Hartley, Head of Art at Somerhill School and adjudicator for the evening, spoke to the calibre of entries, “Overall, I have been very impressed with what I have seen and heard. It has been an emotional rollercoaster for me as I have responded strongly to each House’s work. I’ve got a bit teary, laughed out loud and reflected on my own sense of place.”

Whilst it was a close contest, there could only be one winner, and this title was bestowed upon Hill Side. Described as a “powerful and beautiful piece of work”, Hill Side presented a collection of cyanotype memories of their favourite places, which was then made into an animation with elements of video interwoven under the outstanding leadership of Conor (HS5).

Conor spoke eloquently about how absence makes one realise the strength of connection with a specific place and the judges particularly enjoyed hearing how he has come to know his fellow Hill Siders to a greater extent, through the stories shared in the creation of this piece.
Based on the criteria of collaboration, response to the theme, the quality of work and execution of the piece itself, Park House, Judde House and Parkside were all named as worthy runners up.