St James’ C of E Primary School in Bermondsey will inaugurate a newly named class, ‘Leopold,’ in honour of the well-known, self-taught emerging artist Xavier Laurent Leopold, a South London native. Leopold’s name will join the ranks of illustrious artists such as Van Gogh, Picasso, and Matisse in the school’s new initiative to name classes after renowned artists.
This event aims to inspire and educate the students, allowing them to learn about Xavier’s creative journey, motivations, and influences directly from the artist himself. Leopold will be providing a unique opportunity for students to engage in meaningful dialogue and gain real-life insights into the world of contemporary art.
Photo credit Jovan Stennett
“Our pupils love art and we wanted to inspire them by celebrating the arts and by introducing them to artists from diverse backgrounds,” says Deputy Headteacher Peter Wood. “Previously, our classes were named after countries, which allowed students to explore different cultures. This time, we felt it was important to turn our focus to creative figures who inspire in various ways. Xavier Leopold, with his compelling story and dedication to creativity, represents the diversity and potential within our community. Having Xavier here will help students see that art isn’t just about history but also about the present and future, lived by people they can meet and learn from.”
Headteacher, Mr. Michael Oliver added, “naming a class after Xavier, an artist who attended our school , brings his journey full circle and sends a powerful message to our students: success can start right here. We hope Xavier’s story will motivate our students to believe in their aspirations and work hard to achieve them.”
Xavier Leopold, an alumnus of St James’, expressed his gratitude and excitement about having a class named after him: “It is an incredible honour to have a class at my old school bear my name. I hope that the ‘Leopold’ class will be more than just a name on a door; I hope it will become a place where young minds are encouraged to express themselves creatively and to understand the power of art in shaping our world.
Photo credit Jovan Stennett
Representation matters, and I hope that my story can inspire young people, especially those from similar backgrounds, to pursue their passions fearlessly.” Xavier’s pursuit of creative excellence and exploration of new art forms continues—he was among a select few individuals nationwide to be awarded the sought-after Sir Frank Bowling Scholarship to study a Master’s (MA) in Sculpture at the prestigious Royal College of Art, starting this month.
©2024 Xavier Leopold
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