Pupils and staff at Harbertonford Primary were delighted to see that the playground mural, which was underway before the summer holidays, had been completed.

The mural includes a variety of scenery, from patchwork fields to leaping porpoises, highlighting British wildlife and local plant life, as well as demonstrating how trees change throughout the seasons.

It also features recognisable local landmarks such as Totnes Castle, the East Gate Arch on the high street in Totnes, Start Point, and the Tors of Dartmoor.

The mural was designed by artist Gavin Middlewood, with assistance from wildlife artist Aziz Kahn. Both artists live in the village of Harbertonford, and Mr Middlewood has held exhibitions in Dartmouth, Wellington, and Totnes.

Harbertonford Primary Schools mural - Student hand prints
Harbertonford Primary Schools mural - Student hand prints (Harbertonford Primary Schools mural - Student hand prints )
Gavin Middlewood and children
Gavin Middlewood and children (Gavin Middlewood and children)
Students helping with the mural
Students helping with the mural (Students helping with the mural )
Harbertonford Primary Schools mural complete
Harbertonford Primary Schools mural complete (Harbertonford Primary Schools mural complete )

Mr Middlewood took care to include the schoolchildren in the creation of the mural. He visited them to discuss their ideas for the project, and some of them helped apply the base coat of paint. Later on, pupils added and labelled their handprints to create leaves for a tree, with space left for new joiners to add theirs. They also added hundreds of wildflowers, pebbles on the beach, and stars in the night sky.

The mural was funded by a grant from Harberton Parish Council’s Benefit Fund, which supports charitable, educational, environmental, and amenity purposes within the parish of Harberton. It was also partially funded by the school’s PTFA, whose aim is to promote a strong bond between the school, families, and the wider community, as well as to fundraise.

The art and design curriculum at Harbertonford Primary School aims to equip children with the knowledge and skills to experiment and create their own works of art. Pupils learn about drawing, painting, and various sculptural techniques as tools for artistic development, adopting a reflective approach that encourages them to critique their own work and grow as artists.

Every child is provided with everything they need to express their thoughts, feelings, and imagination in their work; they are made aware of the benefits of art on well-being and value the purpose of art as a language to reflect mood, culture, and social situations.

Mr Jack Pemberton, Headteacher at Harbertonford Primary School, said:

“Everyone at Harbertonford Primary School is absolutely thrilled with the finished mural. Not only is it something beautiful at the heart of the playground, but it has also been designed to be thought-provoking and to provide an interactive background for outdoor activities.

“I want to say a huge thank you to Mr Middlewood, the PTFA, and Harberton Parish Council for making this possible. It truly shows what the school can achieve when supported by our families and the local community.

"I warmly welcome any visitors to the school who might be interested in joining us or who simply wish to see our new mural in our wonderful school environment."

Mr Gavin Middlewood said:

"We are really proud of the mural and delighted with all the positive feedback we have received, not only upon completion but also when we were on our knees in the playground in the summer term!

“We are particularly excited that this piece not only incorporates all of the children's suggestions but that it can continue to grow over the years with the input of future cohorts as they join the school."