London pupils given classic prints to start their own mini galleries

London schools are to get the chance to win copies of classic art masterpieces to “start their own little galleries”, after a pilot scheme in Peckham was hailed a huge success.

Gloucester Primary pupils, above, received high-quality prints of famous works such as Van Gogh’s Starry Night and the Mona Lisa through the initiative set up by art sales website, Art.co.uk.

In a project called Like Art in Schools, Gloucester Primary and two American schools were given prints from a range the site usually sells. The schools encouraged friends and supporters to vote for the project, and every 250 votes secured another print, up to a total of 24. The Peckham school’s choices also included works by Vermeer, Monet and Picasso.

Gloucester Primary’s creative arts coordinator, Chris Monk, said they strongly feel music, drama, dance and art make learning memorable and beneficial. The opportunity to start “our own little art gallery” was welcomed as a chance for pupils to be inspired by and enjoy a range of artists and styles, he said.

Ivy Ross, of Art.com Inc, said the project was able to get communities involved and share the power of art with children, parents and teachers. “Art.com believes in the power of art to spark education and positively impact today’s youth, so the company plans to continue what it started with Like Art in Schools. For 2013, this initiative to place art in state schools will include two to four events.”