The Art Department at Shiplake College has recently hired a new member of staff. He requires minimal feeding and watering and doesn’t even demand a wage! The only downside is that he is a skeleton…
Art Technician Mrs Julie Brooks has introduced him to Shiplake’s creatives,
'Arthur is a great addition to the art department. He is so realistic, even the science teachers have commented on how accurate the bone placement is. Some of the pupils are already enjoying the challenge of getting everything in perspective, or are concentrating on the detailed parts of the skeleton. Quite soon, Year 12 will be life drawing a real person at the Henley Art School, but in the meantime, this gives a fantastic opportunity to practice drawing from real life.'
The Skeleton, aptly named ARThur is based in the Art classrooms and was provided by Starbeck who have supported the School with a plethora of artistic materials and props. Arthur is 170cm, or 5ft 7ins, and is almost entirely anatomically correct.
Art teacher Mrs Keli Thomas says,
‘Arthur will be used to develop skills in drawing from real life. Pictures from the internet are often far cleaner and unmarked that an actual object in front of you, so it offers the opportunity to draw from reality. The pupils can also use him as a prop, he can be manipulated in so many ways to hold any sort of pose. One of my Year 12s, Kesha, actually put a denim jacket and belt on him for his fashion illustration project.’
And ever the realist, Mrs Krause has added, ‘Practically speaking, Arthur is an investment as it is so expensive to use real-life models. Real models are also very likely to change their pose or get bored or tired, so to have this skeleton is a great addition to the art department.’
