Creating meaningful diptychs: a workshop with Bath Abbey and Ubley School
Art has long been a way to explore and express faith, community, and emotion. Recently, I collaborated with Bath Abbey and Ubley School for a unique workshop with Year 3 and 4 students exploring the work of Sue Symons blending history, creativity, and personal reflection. Sue Symons made lots of work throughout her life, mainly creating Diptychs exploring the life of Jesus. A Diptych is a two-panel artwork traditionally used in religious art.
Inspiration from the abbey
We explored Bath Abbey, where students explored its stunning architecture and stained glass, discovering how words like ‘joy,’ ‘hope,’ and ‘peace’ have been woven into sacred spaces for centuries. Each child chose a word that resonated with them and then made their own art work inspired by that word.
Creating with ink and collage
Using inks and collage, the children visually expressed their chosen words, drawing inspiration from the Abbey’s grandeur. Back at Ubley School, they refined their diptychs, adding personal symbols and patterns to deepen their meanings.
Connecting art and expression
This project encouraged students to reflect on the power of words and visual storytelling, echoing how religious art has spoken to people throughout history. A huge thank you to Bath Abbey and Ubley School for making this creative exploration possible!
