Ieuan Edwards Visit
Creative children at Ramsgate Arts Primary are being inspired by Broadstairs artist Ieuan Edwards.
He passed on some top tips and techniques when he explained his creative process for lino cut printing to pupils.
Hannah Dannell, who is the Head of Arts at RAPS, said: “The children were fascinated by the process he uses and were in awe of his work.
“It was fantastic to have a real-life artist to come and talk to us about their work and I'm sure the children were inspired.”
Ieuan uses many layers to create depth to his images before rolling ink across his carvings. Finally, he uses a press to print his art and create a finished product. He is inspired by many things including explorations, old industrial structures and his family.
His art has appeared in galleries such as the Turner Contemporary at Margate as well as more unusual places such as the sails of a boat.
On his website he explains: “I produce hand-carved, hand-printed illustrations and limited edition prints using the deceptively simple medium of linocut.
“I usually cut from a single block of lino, printing the lightest colour first, then cutting into the same block for the next colour and so on until the final darkest colour. This means that a cut can never be repeated, making the small editions of prints collectable.
“My heritage, and chief inspiration for initially picking up a lino-cutting tool, lies in the (ex) coal mining communities of the Rhondda Valleys, South Wales.
“As well as industry, my other areas of interest are tradition (the stranger, the better), eccentricity, tribalism, exploration, folklore and palaeontology. Living on the Kent coast – with its heady mix of seaside towns, folk festivals, history and colourful characters – provides me with a plentiful supply of subject matter. “
Head of School Nick Budge said: “The children were captivated by what Ieuan creates and how he makes brilliant images appear from his intricate lino cuts.
“I am sure having an established creative explain his work processes to them will inform a lot of the work they do in the coming weeks.
“Describing his techniques and inspirations first hand is a great way for our children to really embrace the subject – and it shows them what can be achieved if they follow their creative dream.”
Ieuan’s work is currently on show at Turner Contemporary, Margate, until February 20; and at Lino Print 2022, Horsebridge Arts Centre, Whitstable, from January 22-February 13.
Find out more about his work online at www.blackgoldpress.co.uk
Ramsgate Arts Primary School is part of the Viking Academy Trust with Upton Junior School and Chilton Primary School.
*For more information, contact Head of School Nick Budge on 01843 582847



While world leaders are planning the protection of the planet at the high profile UN COP26 climate change summit, a quieter eco revolution is under way at Ramsgate Arts Primary.
The range of educational initiatives during eco day included a sculpture competition for class groups with the winners receiving a weather station from Cummins Power Generation at Ramsgate; the arts team working with children and parents to draw a forest with eco tape on the main hall walls to illustrate how trees make a positive change to our lives; an initiative with the nationwide EcoKids Project to collect around 250 bags of quality unwanted clothing instead of it going to landfill in exchange for money for outdoor learning resources; and an information assembly with Thanet council about how to tackle litter problems locally.
recent years with the school’s eco strategy. It heralds the start of even greater efforts by children and staff at school, at home and in the community.
Another environment friendly idea is the national Walk on Wednesday scheme, where children are encouraged to walk to school or be dropped off and walk some of the way.

Ghoulish games and creepy creativity gave young children a Halloween to remember at Ramsgate Arts Primary School.
Early Years Foundation Studies lead Sophie Spurrier explained: “The children were immersed in lots of different art activities across all areas of learning. These used lots of different techniques such as printing, painting, making and decorating.
“Creativity is a central part of life at RAPS and having a full day with so many different learning experiences is brilliant – these little ones have only been with us for a few weeks but they are really engaged with all of the different types of learning that our specialist arts primary can offer.”
Years provision at RAPS and how it successfully it engages young children and encourages and supports their educational pathways.



He said: “It was lovely to see the children enjoy the company of our puppies and the kittens.



Children at Ramsgate Arts Primary have been served up a tasty return to school.
Chicken lasagne; spinach, sweet potato, lentil curry and rice; macaroni cheese; jacket potato with variety of fillings; fresh carrots and garden peas; wonky strawberries; homemade flavoured breads; fruity yogurts; cheese and biscuits.
RAPS children are happy to give the new meals their seal of approval. Leo said: “The salad bar has great options, like olives and feta cheese or crunchy peppers,” while Grace added: “We have lots of main meals to choose from and there is freshly baked bread too.”
kitchen team of Laura, Ange and Mandy for several weeks teaching them the way the company expects their meals to be prepared and presented.
“We offer a range of four options on our daily menu for dinner and pudding and there is always a salad bar and fresh fruit too.
Four year olds are already settling into life with a smile at Ramsgate Arts Primary School in Ramsgate.
food in the mud kitchen, painting, messy foam play, drawing and making music on the stage.
She said: “The children have settled so well into life at RAPS and they have only been here a short while.
