Fiona Foley is a stained glass artist who not only makes inspiring art works  from glass, but is  passionate about working with children as part of the creative process. That's why she was the perfect choice to engage local children in designing the eight-panelled window. Celebrating Robert Owen's principles the window is the lasting legacy of our project.

 

Over three days in Robert Owen Memorial; Lanark; St. Mary's, Kirkfieldbank and New Lanark Primary Schools Fiona  introduced children to a fantastically curated programme of interactive sessions. Reflecting on their trip to New Lanark World Heritage Centre, children played with traditional toys and indulged in Fiona's museum of curiosity - her own tribute one of Robert Owen's principles of learning. The second session is where children get their hands mucky exploring colour and design. The third delves into learning the process of producing a commissioned art installation. We're all very excited about seeing the curious minds of Lanark's children feature in the window. They are very privileged to have taken part in such an amazing experience.

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Many of the children included rainbow colours which have been used as a border, flowing through the length of the design. The rvier Clyde was also a frequent element which appeared in the designs and is now flowing through all the panels, linking them together. The centre two panels show the lade at New Lanark, which was an important feature of making the Mill work, back in the day. 

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The two centre panels also show one of the children's images of Robert Owen, with his arms outstrethced. He's probably welcoming the children to come and enjoy learning as well as welcoming all of the viewers to appreciate the window. We love his charming smile and caring celebratory stance.

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Each of the panels is themed with one of Owen's principles: character, kindness, play , cooperation, equity, environment, curiosity and happiness. These are illustrated by the childrenn's drawings. Through weeks of asking children 'what makes Robert Owen special, it looks like they've managed to capture his ethos beautifully!

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Following along the course of the river we have some of the children's 'curious' animals - an elephant shrew, bilby and sloth. This was to remind us of the animal friezes in the original school, which children had never seen in any form so Robert Owen decided to hire an aligator from a travelling zoo. Yes it was alive! So, the children had great fun trying to imagine what these unusual creatures looked like. The environment panel includes some of the well drawn shells which were inspired by a mini museum of curiosity.

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See the framed image below that will be given to each of the schools taking part and watch the interview with Fiona. We hope this finished work will go on inspiring children for years to come!