Sea creatures: real and imagined

Essential Information

Type	Free displays
Location	National Maritime Museum

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Sea creatures: real and imagined was created by pupils at Willow Dene School, Greenwich with artist Shermaine Slocombe.

The vibrant artwork was on display in the National Maritime Museum's Sammy Ofer Wing until Spring 2024. It has now been returned to Willow Dene. You can learn more about the project and its outcomes in the video below.

The making of Sea Creatures

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Pupils from Willow Dene School took part in a sensory session for children with disabilities and special educational needs.

Inspired by their visit, pupils participated in creative activities at their school on the theme of sea creatures. Shermaine Slocombe used the artwork students made to create a digital collage, which was then transferred onto a huge banner.

The final design also included the pupils’ class names – Greenfinch, Heron, Nightingale and Woodlark – and references sea charts and maps from the Museum’s collection.

Generously supported by the Dr Lee MacCormick Edwards Charitable Foundation

A priceless partnership

A long collage artwork inspired by maps and charts in the National Maritime Museum. Colourful cutout designs representing sea creatures sit on top of a bright blue ocean background, with a green landmass to the right of the artwork

“The opportunity to work alongside the National Maritime Museum has been priceless for our children.

"Being immersed in all the history, imagery and sensory landscape that the Museum holds gives such breadth to their life experience. Working alongside Museum creatives on a project designed with our specific needs in mind – giving the children time and real experiences to stimulate and inspire them, and devoting energy to the artistic process rather than just the final product – is so powerful.

"Working collaboratively with a high-profile local resource such as the National Maritime Museum places our children firmly at the centre of their community, celebrates their contribution and values their place in the wider cultural world."

- Rachel Harrison, Executive Headteacher at Willow Dene School

"It has been a privilege to work alongside the teachers and students at Willow Dene school. How exciting it is to see the work of young artists made in the classroom exhibited and celebrated in a professional space and showcase their skills to a wider audience.

"By adopting the technique of layering and repeating their dynamic shapes and expressive marks, I have constructed creatures and sea monsters from the deep, ensuring to keep the essence of their original work.

"I have made reference to the charts and maps in the Museum’s collection by using the students’ seascapes and landscapes to add depth, movement and texture. I hope the final piece brings pride and joy to the staff and students and provides a unique and engaging experience for museum visitors."

- Shermaine Slocombe, artist

Marvellous maps and creatures of the deep

See some of the objects in the National Maritime Museum that inspired the pupils at Willow Dene School.

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