Oxfordshire’s youth paint the palace

Visitors to Blenheim Palace will soon be treated to an artistic explosion as they drive through the main gate to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. One hundred up-for-the-challenge young people created over one hundred artworks during half term as part of an amazing collaboration between Oxfordshire Youth and the palace. 

During a hectic week of workshops, 11-25-year-olds from all over Oxfordshire worked with two established artists to produce their own images using collage techniques, acrylics and spray paint. And a hugely colourful mural of Blenheim itself (pictured) brought everyone together to produce an amazing piece of artwork in a collaborative effort. 

All our budding artists got the opportunity to take inspiration from their surroundings and were treated to a guided tour of the palace, allowing them to explore the history of Blenheim, ask questions and take photographs of objects and artwork that intrigued them. Team building activities designed by Oxfordshire Youth staff encouraged everyone to feel included and fizzy with ideas. As eleven year old Dulcie explains, “There was so much to do and see there – we got to explore different sites like the tower, beautiful gardens and the petting zoo. Me and my friends had the best time!”.

It’s now over to the two adult artists and Oxfordshire Youth to take this work to a graphic designer at Blenheim and Macro Art, a printing design company. They will be manufacturing a large-scale art composition featuring all the workshop pieces which will cover Blenheim’s Falstaff Gate whilst it undergoes a transformation. Manufactured in 1851, the gate was originally on display at the Great Exhibition at Crystal Palace, but 172 years later, needs some tender, loving care to restore it to its former glory. Whilst the metal is being ice blasted and sections recovered in gold leaf, our young people’s creations will grace the hoarding that hides Falstaff’s blushes whilst he takes an ice shower!

The big artwork reveal is scheduled for the middle of April, so if you find yourself cruising past, or through, the huge entrance gates to Blenheim Palace, check out the work of Oxfordshire’s youth!