Cornish cross — the Chinese way
News Archive > General > Cornish cross — the Chinese way
A STUNNING sculpture symbolising peaceful international relations has been unveiled at a specialist St Austell language college.The Celtic Cross has been put on display at Penrice Community College to mark its association with schools in China.
A group of 18 year seven students have been working alongside local blacksmith artists Gary and Thomas Thrussell to bring the seven foot tall structure to fruition.
The youngsters designed and made six copper panels in the piece, which depict images including Cornish and Chinese writing, fishing, tin mining, a Cornish pasty, the Eden Project and King Arthur to celebrate the links between local and international heritage.
David Parker, head teacher, officially unveiled the sculpture on Tuesday, June 8 in front of staff, pupils, parents and Amanda Fisher, the chair of governors. Mr Parker congratulated the students on their copper beating efforts having discovered how difficult a skill it is for himself.
Penrice has a long standing affiliation with schools in China. Pupils have visited and teachers from there have come over to St Austell to forge links.
The sculpture, which can be illuminated, was funded by the Real Ideas Organisation, a pioneering social enterprise, which provides programmes that help young people around the world realise their potential.
Danielle Eyres, the teacher for the creative project, said: "This is a significant scheme for the students who were able to get the benefits of working with professionals.
"They had a fantastic time and I am very proud of their creative efforts.
"The idea behind the project was to experience new skills such as copper beating and working as a team. The sculpture is a permanent part of Penrice, which will be there for many years to come. The children are over the moon about it and so am I."
The pupils made several designs of the Celtic Cross and voted, which one they wanted. Gary and Thomas Thrussell undertook a series of copper beating workshops with the pupils to help them bring their ideas to reality.
The names of the pupils that took part in the project have been inscribed on a plaque on the sculpture.
Gary Thrussell said: "It has been a very rewarding project. The students have done very well.
"We were really pleased they were so enthusiastic, which showed through.
"The students really had a sense of pride in their work. I was pleased with how they helped each other and worked together. Mrs Eyres has a wonderful relationship with the children and brings out the best in them."
