The art residency at Queen’s College Preparatory School (QCPS) involved co-designing and creating with the pupils six textile banners for their schoolhouses, alongside supporting them to develop their own individual banners. Over four months, four weeks were dedicated to direct engagement with the girls through hands-on making sessions delivered alongside the school’s art teacher.

QCPS, a private girls’ school in central London for pupils aged two to eleven, has a strong feminist legacy. Founded in 1848, Queen’s College was the first institution in England to offer academic education to women. Reflecting the school’s values of respect, equality, perseverance and empowerment, the houses are named after influential women including Emmeline Pankhurst, Rosa Parks, Jane Austen, Lottie Dod, Rosalind Franklin, and Mary Seacole.

Inspired by Suffragette banners and textile art as a form of activism, I developed a programme of activities for 216 pupils. Through research worksheets, the girls explored the history of their house figure and the role of banners in campaigns for human and women’s rights. They then created banner designs, which informed the development of six collaborative banners. Activities were tailored to different age groups and abilities, incorporating appliqué, embroidery, textile painting, beading, macramé, and hand sewing. Materials — primarily old garments, fabric scraps and textile remnants — were generously donated by school families and by Minerva Fabrics Ltd, helping to ensure the project was as environmentally sustainable as possible.

The banners’ rallying phrases were developed collaboratively through an online staff vote based on suggestions gathered from the pupils. Teachers also contributed through a fabric-cutting session. Working alongside the art teacher, I facilitated the making of the banners’ individual components, which I later assembled and quilted into the final works.

The final phase of the residency focused on pupils creating their own banners, reflecting on their identities, aspirations, and schoolhouse values.

The project sparked conversations about equality, care, human rights, and women’s rights, while introducing new creative skills and expanding pupils’ understanding of what art can communicate. The collaborative process fostered confidence, pride, and mutual support. The completed banners are now displayed and used in school events, serving as daily reminders that, through care, fairness, and courage, we are stronger together.

Exhibitions: The International Quilt Festival, Birmingham (27-29 August 2026)