Boutcher School Year 5 pupil comments about their paintings for Southwark At Work painting project
Mayor of Southwark – Sunny Lambe The Mayor’s Parlour Southwark Council Tooley Street
By Kwame Year 5
For my art project, I drew the Mayor of Southwark and learnt about his inspiring career path. He had a difficult childhood with poor educational opportunities, but he remained strong. He worked as a postal worker, then became a union representative, and later a Labour Party councillor. His motto, ‘Duty before comfort’ shows that he believes in putting others first, and he loves being of service to the people of Southwark. In my painting, I like the different varieties of colours, and I also like the amount of history in my painting but most of all I like how much progress I’ve made. If I were to be the Mayor of Southwark, I would provide food and drink to people in need and give them whatever they need, and I would make sure that everyone’s rights are respected.
Bell & Sons & Daughter, Butchers at the Blue Bermondsey
By Akeem Year 5
My painting is of a very well-respected local family business in the heart of Bermondsey. It is of Simon the Boss and his daughter Hannah and she is serving somebody. The painting shows the family working as a team, taking orders and preparing them for delivery. Hannah wants to change the name of the shop to Bell & Sons & Daughters. I also drew the meats, chicken, cheese and sauces. The thing I like the most about my painting is that there was a lot of action going on and the meat was very vibrant and with the varnish it looks amazing.
Stacey at Curve Pilates Studio Borough High Street
By Imelda Year 5
For my art project, I learnt about Stacey at Curve Pilates Studio. Stacey has been teaching Pilates for many years since discovering it was very good for her own health. She teaches Reformer Pilates, which involves stretching gently and using pulleys, beds on tracks, and chains. She explained that it was created by Mr Pilates, who used the technique to help ballet dancers overcome physical stress. My classmates and I drew the machines and drew Sophie, who is our TA in class, doing it. I really, really enjoyed it because it made me feel calm and relaxed. I included a picture of a spine because in Pilates it is important to know your body and how it works, and it helps with balance and harmony. I really like my painting, and I feel proud of it because all of us worked hard and it took a lot of determination to follow and understand the steps. One of the steps that was hard for me, but I got there in the end, was when we had to do the shading on the bodies and we needed to put light where it was hitting. One thing that I like about my painting is the pattern that I made on the trousers because it looks colourful and it feels like it is coming to life. I would like to do Pilates because I found out that it can really help you and it can make you stronger and fitter. Art is important to me because it makes me feel like I am part of it, and whenever I do Art, I feel comforted. It feels to me that I am floating in the sky with the clouds because you are brushing that paint with colour.
Inclusive Energy Biogas Startup, The Old Biscuit Factory Bermondsey
By Aamira Year 5
For my art project, I learnt about a start-up company at the old Victorian Biscuit Factory site in Bermondsey. We went to a small office in the very big building to meet Gareth and sketch his everyday life as a biogas engineer and whilst we were there, Gareth told us his motto, ‘Engineers make design work for people,’ which I found inspiring.
The thing that I really liked about my painting was that it was very modern and eco-friendly and green. The Biscuit Factory originated in Victorian times, so it has experienced lots of changes, which is why outside the window you could see a construction site demolishing a building and new flats and offices being built. Biscuits were originally needed as dry food supplies for ships to travel long distances across the British Empire, and they were also used a lot in wars because people needed something quick to eat. I learnt that Bermondsey was once called ‘Biscuit Town’ because they invented biscuits there. I wouldn’t like to work as an engineer because the work seems a bit dangerous and hard to do, but overall, the project was fun, and I really want to do something like this in secondary school.
Lucy the Free Diving Florist, Igloo Flowers, Druid Street Bermondsey
By Anas Year 5
For our art project, Lucy was our subject. She told us about her love of nature and flowers while she made up bouquets for business customers, parties, weddings, funerals and walk-in customers, all whilst taking orders on the phone. One thing that I like about my painting is that there are many colourful flowers. The reason why I liked the flowers is because it made the picture really shine. Another thing that I liked was putting in the details in her body, such as the hair and the hands. I would not like to be a florist; I would like to be an IT Engineer. The reason why I want to be an IT Engineer is because I am really interested in computers and games. Whilst we were at the flower shop, I felt like myself, Raphael, Dibabari and Ava had a great time understanding the importance of being a florist. We also had a great time sketching Lucy in the flower shop. Ed Gray also helped me with everything, and he helped me with painting and getting the right tones. I will always remember Ed Gray, even when I get older.
Kevin Boys the Blacksmith, Surrey Docks Forge
By Eleanor Year 5
For our art project, I went to Kevin Boys’ blacksmith forge at Surrey Docks Farm by the river. A blacksmith is called a blacksmith because they work with iron, which is black metal, and not gold. People have been melting and shaping metal for six thousand years by the Thames, which I think is amazing. Kevin is a creative person who makes lots of different things. He sometimes remakes ancient Bronze Age weapons for museum displays, and he has even made his own tools. He has made statues like the Pilgrim by the river in Rotherhithe, the statue of Private Albert McKenzie VC in Tower Bridge Road, and the Lion in The Blue. He is also making work about Eleanor of Aquitaine. Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine had 11 children and outlived all of them except two. She was the daughter of William, the Duke of Aquitaine, and she married Prince Louis, the son of King Louis VI of France. She is best known for being Queen of England and France, and there is a picture of her on the wall in the forge. I like the fact that she is called Eleanor as that is also my name! In my painting you can see a model of an old Thames barge that he made for a customer in the bottom right. The work is very physical, and it is hot in the summer and warm by the fire in the winter. He also made us a beautiful scroll shape to take back to school.
About my painting, I like that the roaring fire is realistic and beautiful. He has four arms in my painting because he is hammering and shaping the metal fast, and blacksmiths need strong forearms. I wouldn’t like to work as a blacksmith because it makes your hands dirty and you could easily burn yourself on the hot metal or near the fire.
Mimi at Kiana’s Beauty Clinic, Grange Road Bermondsey
By Ava Year 5
For our art project, we visited Mimi at Kiana’s Beauty Clinic on Grange Road in Bermondsey, which is in the service business sector. Mimi posed for us while she was getting her nails done. I felt very calm because it was a very peaceful, quiet room. The design I liked in the shop was the clear windows with the Hawaiian plant and leaf in front of them. I really liked the colour theme because the chairs and seats were a beige/pinky colour, and I liked the calm feeling there. Out of the window, I saw the Alaska building right across the road, so I wanted to include it in my painting.
What I liked about my painting was the tights Mimi was wearing because when I painted them, I painted a black base, then made a super dark grey and drew a line in the middle and at the top. Lastly, I got my brush and swiped it down to the bottom to make a fabric pattern. My favourite part of the painting was the nail varnish rack on the wall because I really liked that I got to go freestyle on the colours! My least favourite bit of my painting was the plant pot because it kept getting smaller and smaller so I had to do all I could to make it look big. It was also really hard to draw the nail artist because she changed halfway through my sketch when she had a phone call, so it was a bit wobbly.
I would like to be a beautician when I am older because I like painting and painting nails. I remember when I did my auntie’s nails for Halloween, but she had to take them off because she works in a nursery and they were not child proof. However, I also would not like to be a beautician because I have other dreams like being an actor, artist and designer.
Pat at RW Autos Morrocco Street Bermondsey
By Leo Year 5
For our art project, I painted RW Autos on Morrocco Street in Bermondsey, which is a family business that began in 1969. However, the site has been used to maintain vehicles for over 200 years, and I think a long time ago they might have fixed horses and carts instead of cars. Pat is a mechanic and he has been working there for 35 years straight, which is a really long time to provide for his family. He has been a hard worker and he helps people fix their cars. In my painting, Pat is working in his beautiful garage fixing a car, and there are other mechanics in the scene helping as well. One of the mechanics we met there had even gone to Boutcher Primary School, which I thought was interesting and that is why I did a painting of him and his beautiful garage.
Ed Gray helped me with the detail and to mix the colours, which took so long, and I put all my effort into every bit of detail. I had to do a lot of things to get to where I am now. I’ve missed some of my favourite subjects in school to do this amazing project, and I have sacrificed a lot, like many of my clothes are ruined because of all the paint. I’ve made many mistakes, but people say mistakes help you learn. I like my painting because of all the effort I put into it and the detailed colours I mixed. I would like to work in a garage because Pat has shown that if you work hard for many years, you can help lots of people and provide for your family.
Britebox Foodbank Bermondsey
By Connie Year 5
For our art project, I did my painting about Brite Box Foodbank in Bermondsey, which is in the voluntary business sector. Brite Box is a charity that helps people and families overcome food insecurity. They get food from Morrisons and make some lovely recipes for different schools and families. Our school get to have a Brite Box and all of us really like having it on Fridays. My painting shows the volunteer workers preparing fresh vegetables and tins of food for the service users of this Bermondsey foodbank. It helps people because maybe some families don’t have much, but when you give it to them they will be so happy because they get it for free.
In my painting, there are pictures on the wall and one of them says ‘peace love pray’. I wanted to add that because Ed Gray and I thought it would be really nice, as they are kind words. I have never volunteered before, but one of my friend’s mums volunteers at Christmas to make a roast dinner for homeless people in a soup kitchen. I think we need people to volunteer and help others eat healthily and cheaply because some families don’t have much money and need support. What I love about my painting is the pictures I added, especially the one that says ‘peace love pray,’ because I think it is sending a kind message to the homeless people to eat, love and pray.
A Moment of Reflection Bishop Of Southwark Christopher Chessun in his Residence
By Rose Year 5
For our art project, I painted the Bishop of Southwark, who has been a Bishop for over 15 years and has been dedicated to spreading the word of God. His favourite part of being a Bishop is meeting young people and teaching them about the word of God, Bible stories, and what they teach us. He finds it very difficult when helping people who mourn and also for the sick. He finds this hard because he knows God did not create people to mourn, but he also knows it is a lesson people must learn.
In my painting, I included the heron sculpture, which symbolises the mother bird feeding her chicks and contrasts with the Bible story when Jesus fed the 5,000. I also included a glass of water to represent purity. I put two crosses in my painting, one was a thank you card to the Bishop from a person he had taught about God, and the second cross was in the chain he wore, which was a bit like a rosemary but in chain form. My favourite part of my painting was doing the two windows, especially the one with the Shard. I liked this part because it really shows that this is London, with our amazing buildings like The Walkie Talkie, The Shard, and of course our red double decker buses.
For our art project, Lizzie came to our art studio to be sketched. She went through many of the moves she teaches for combat training, and she even stood on her head! Lizzie teaches clients at Fight City Gym and in parks outdoors and she also works as a sports masseuse. She also took us to sketch another side of her job which was washing towels for her clients at the Long Lane Laundrette. Lizzie even brought us tasty snacks from the shop on the way. She also loves playing piano and painting. What I like about my painting is that Lizzie is all over the place and looks very different in every image of her. I like that I included two places in one painting. Lizzie is an amazing person and probably a great masseuse. My painting shows Lizzie’s creative energy onto a surface, which helps it shine as bright as her.
Jaro the Bridge lift Driver Tower Bridge
By Olivia Year 5
For our art project, I painted the Tower Bridge Lift Driver, who was called Jaro. He loved his job, which involved other engineering and fixing tasks when he wasn’t operating the bridge. Working also with Anas and Chali’s drawings, my scene shows the moment the driver opens the bridge from the cabin on the north side, while the crowds and cars wait for the tall-masted boat to pass through. Bridge lifts can happen as much as three times a day.
Tower Bridge opened on the 30th of June 1894, and the bridge lift used to be powered by a sophisticated Victorian hydraulic system driven by coal-fired steam engines. Horse-drawn wagons and river barges brought transport to these early sources of fuel and power for Tower Bridge. In my painting, I liked the detail on the buildings, and I liked how I drew Tower Bridge opening. I think I drew Jaro well, and the control panel had many buttons and radios.
Tower Tandoori Restaurant Tower Bridge Road
By Gemini Year 5
For our art project, I painted Tower Tandoori, the oldest Tandoori restaurant in Bermondsey, which opened in 1978 and was recently awarded Traveller’s Choice Best of the Best by Trip Advisor in 2025. Although I didn’t go on the trip, I managed to create my drawing from other people’s sketches. Chef Mr Raj showed us how he prepares for the customers and even made us some delicious naan breads served with mango lassi. He told us about his long working days, but also how much he loves working in the restaurant.
What I like about my painting is that I got to copy some people, so the kitchen looked busier, because it wasn’t packed with workers that day. I would like to work in a restaurant because they get to make people’s day. I would work as a waitress because if a food went wrong then I would not get the blame and I would not like to be a manager because I do not want to be shouted at. What I really enjoyed about doing the painting was that we got to look through pictures and cut and stick them onto a green bit of card. After that we got carbon paper and traced it onto a canvas. It was a hard process and we had to make sure we did not move the carbon paper, otherwise we would go over the same thing twice. Soon after, we mixed red and black paint to outline the drawing. Most of my painting was silver, but it was still hard to do all the creases. Last week we used glue and water to varnish the painting. This whole project was very fun and I wish I could do it again.
‘Nat the Cat’ Fashion Designer and Artist Jon Wealleans Grange Road Bermondsey
By Raphael Year 5
For our art project, I painted Natalie Gibson, or Nat the Cat, who is a famous fashion designer. She has been making and printing designs for a long time and has worked at London’s best fashion design colleges, including Central St Martin’s, teaching fashion since 1964. She received an MBE from the late Queen in 2014 for her services to fashion. Also in the painting is her husband, the architect and artist Jon Wealleans. He is holding a book he has just illustrated about people and stories in Soho. Their home was new, big, and full of paintings and designs.
I really like my painting because of all the different colours. Nat’s house was massive and had a lot of paintings with interesting designs, and her cats were very interesting too. I would not like to live in that big home because it is very spacious and she has so many important things, I don’t know how she could even move! My favourite part of my painting is all the different bright colours and the details of Nat’s house and her designs.
Brewing and bottling at The Kernel Brewery Spa Road
By Hazimah Year 5
For our art project, I painted The Kernel Brewery on Spa Road, which brews and sells beer to pubs all over London and other parts of the country. It was one of the first breweries to open on the famous Bermondsey Beer Mile. Beer was often safer to drink than water in Victorian times in London.
Lizzie talked us through the brewing process and the big silver vats of beer. She used a long ladle to show us what the mash, made from malted barley, hops, and water, looked like. I saw glass bottles in a machine getting ready to be filled with beer, and I saw people making beer inside a big machine. It looked really weird because there were little black things inside, which was a bit disgusting to me, but that is how you make beer. The brewery smelt like alcohol and it also smelt a bit strong. It sounded really noisy and loud because of the machines. There were people making beer, sorting out the bottles, and cleaning the bottles. The best part I loved about my painting is the machines because I got to do different colours of black and white, and the machine looked like the best part of my painting.
Ben the Fishmonger at The Blue Bermondsey, Mr Fish Sole of Bermondsey
By Alexandra Year 5
For our art project, I painted Ben the fishmonger, who has recently taken over the stall from his late father, Russell Dryden, who also appears in a photograph in the painting. When we began to sketch him, something really funny happened. Ben crossed his arms while posing, and just then a bird screamed so loud that Evangeline and I started laughing really hard. It was funny to see the stripey awning fall down over him like a curtain just as he folded his arms. After that, Ben just got on with his work and I began to sketch.
Ben told us he has to get up at about 5 or 6am in the morning to collect the fish from Billingsgate Market and then get his cart ready for customers at the Blue Market. There is a man who comes every single day to get fish, and he always gets a free oyster. When we were there, we saw him eat and swallow an oyster whole and it was a bit disgusting!
In my painting, Ben is getting the fish ready for a customer while a bird is trying to steal some. All the things we saw in the cart are in the painting, but the thing that stands out the most is the picture of Ben’s dad. I think it is really important because when someone you love, who has always been with you since the beginning, passes away, you try your best to remember them and all the things they helped you with and helped you to become you. Rest in peace, Russell.
Dockhead Fire Crew, London Fire Brigade, Dockhead Bermondsey
By Arielle Year 5
For our art project, I painted Dockhead Fire Station, which was built in 1928. It was very busy during World War 2 when the docks of Southwark were heavily bombed, and it was rebuilt in 2016. It was also used as the location for the TV show London’s Burning. At the fire station, we met a funny and kind man called Phil, and he showed us around the station, which was my favourite part. The firefighters showed us the gym, the kitchen, their beds and where they sleep, the laundry room, and the room with the silver pole. Something funny happened when the alarm suddenly rang really loudly and it made us all jump! They also sent a fire truck all the way from Old Kent Road, and it was huge! It had a tall ladder that was way taller than I expected and they said they use it for saving cats from tall trees and for helping people on high platforms. Sadly, I would not like to be a fire officer because it is too risky and I am afraid of heights, and I really want to be a dentist when I grow up.
In my painting, I chose to show Phil because he helped us around the fire station and made us laugh. Phil is a really wonderful and lovely person. On the wall in my painting, there is a black and white photo of how the fire station looked in the olden times, showing horses and people. I love my painting and I am super proud to be part of this project. It was a privilege to paint with my friends and Ed Gray because he helped me become better at art.
Trainee Dentists, Imaging and Dermatology at Guy’s Hospital Bermondsey
By Evangeline Year 5
For our art project, we went to sketch the trainee dentists at Guy’s Hospital. Guy’s and St Thomas’s Hospitals are the biggest employers in Southwark. They were practising to be dentists, and it was basically like a test at school but on dummies instead of paper. The room was tall, about as high as two buses stacked together. When I looked out of the window, I saw four big teeth on the windowsill. It was a gloomy day, but we could see lots of beautiful buildings, and it was a really nice day to go there.
We also went to the X-ray room and looked at the equipment and an X-ray of hands. Then we went to the dermatology department, which was really cool, and we learnt about lots of different anatomy. If I were to work at Guy’s, I would like to be a dentist. I like my painting because it is unique and it was quite difficult to do. It has a lot of people in it, and I find people difficult to draw or paint, so I feel very proud of how it turned out!
Ini the Barrister, Inner London Crown Court Southwark
By Chali Year 5
For our art project, I painted a barrister who works in the legal profession and is standing in front of Inner London Crown Court in Southwark. A group of my friends and I visited her chambers by Blackfriars Bridge. There was a bookshelf in the office with plenty of dusty law books dating back 200 years, full of cases and stories! A barrister is a legal specialist who acts as a courtroom advocate and expert legal adviser. They also represent clients in courts and tribunals and specialise in certain areas of law. Ini, the barrister we met, practised different cases and said she loved stories as a child, which is why she enjoys law as it is full of stories.
What I like about my painting is that it shows the barrister outside the court with all the details of the building and her presence. If I were to work in law one day, I think I would be interested in criminal law because I like solving problems and understanding people’s stories.
Southwark At Work Project Outline
In September 2025 we sought partner businesses in Southwark who were interested in visits from small groups of pupils from Year 5 with the aim of sketching people in their working environments. The project was intended as an opportunity for creative conversations about what constitutes a successful and fulfilling working life. A group of 9 &10-year-old pupils have now created a series of nineteen large scale paintings on canvas for public exhibition at Southwark Council HQ in Tooley Street.
We would like to thank all our partner organisations and businesses. This exhibition is a celebration of the best of Southwark – our Mayor Sunny Lambe, Ini the barrister, Kevin Boys the blacksmith, Bishop of Southwark Christopher Chessun, Kiana the beautician, Bell &Sons Butchers’, Inclusive Energy Biscuit Factory biogas startup, Igloo Flowers, Ben the fishmonger Sole of Bermonsdey, Curve Pilates, Lizzie Huang combat trainer, Jaro the Tower Bridge bridge-lift driver, Pat the mechanic at RW Autos, Natalie Gibson the fashion designer, Jon Wealleans the artist, the Kernel Brewery, trainee dentists at Guy’s Hospital, Dockhead Fire crew, chefs at Tower Tandoori and volunteer workers in Britebox foodbank at the South London Mission.
At a time when AI is changing the way we work, this series of paintings captures so much of the life of our times. People skills, creativity, cooperation, ingenuity, dedication, inclusivity, humanity and love, each one a cornerstone of Southwark’s community, seen through the eyes of the youngest and most impressionable members of our community as they look towards a fulfilling future working life of their own.
Amira Year 5 pupil Boutcher Primary School ‘I really enjoyed the sessions as it helped us to understand people’s daily lives in Southwark & helped us to draw and paint more realistically’.
Feedback
Anas Year 5 pupil Boutcher Primary School:
‘I really liked the experience of watching the florist at work, cutting the flowers and learning about them. I really liked the fancy Buddha in the flower shop and I included it in my painting’.
‘Taking our Y5 children out to sketch people at work offered valuable opportunities to widen their horizons through real-world experiences beyond the classroom. Observing professionals in their working environments helped children our understand different careers and roles in their community, whilst building their confidence through meaningful interactions with adults in various settings. These visits also developed important art skills, as children practised observational drawing in authentic contexts, learning to capture movement, expression and the details of working life. Additionally, such experiences sparked curiosity about future possibilities and helped our children see the relevance of their learning to the world around them. Our partnership with Ed Gray, a local artist, enriches this experience enormously – his skills, enthusiasm and knowledge teach us all so much, helping children develop their artistic techniques whilst inspiring them to see the world through an artist’s eyes’
Ed Gray
‘Eilidh and I intended to create a project that introduced pupils to the world of work and gave our chosen subjects the chance to discuss their working lives in a relaxed atmosphere whilst they were sketched by the pupils. Working in small groups, the pupils witnessed the routines and environments of working life first-hand through 19 school trips into our community. They had time to listen to stories of working life and asked questions about the chosen career paths of our hosts while they drew them. These intense and emotional bursts of creative experiences enabled them to create wonderful paintings, but more importantly they have enjoyed life-changing memorable meetings with some of the remarkable passionate working people of Southwark, from all walks of life, who have opened their doors and welcomed us in to their working environments and their lives.’
Boutcher School Year 5 pupil comments about their paintings for Southwark At Work painting project
Mayor of Southwark – Sunny Lambe The Mayor’s Parlour Southwark Council Tooley Street
By Kwame Year 5
For my art project, I drew the Mayor of Southwark and learnt about his inspiring career path. He had a difficult childhood with poor educational opportunities, but he remained strong. He worked as a postal worker, then became a union representative, and later a Labour Party councillor. His motto, ‘Duty before comfort’ shows that he believes in putting others first, and he loves being of service to the people of Southwark. In my painting, I like the different varieties of colours, and I also like the amount of history in my painting but most of all I like how much progress I’ve made. If I were to be the Mayor of Southwark, I would provide food and drink to people in need and give them whatever they need, and I would make sure that everyone’s rights are respected.
Bell & Sons & Daughter, Butchers at the Blue Bermondsey
By Akeem Year 5
My painting is of a very well-respected local family business in the heart of Bermondsey. It is of Simon the Boss and his daughter Hannah and she is serving somebody. The painting shows the family working as a team, taking orders and preparing them for delivery. Hannah wants to change the name of the shop to Bell & Sons & Daughters. I also drew the meats, chicken, cheese and sauces. The thing I like the most about my painting is that there was a lot of action going on and the meat was very vibrant and with the varnish it looks amazing.
Stacey at Curve Pilates Studio Borough High Street
By Imelda Year 5
For my art project, I learnt about Stacey at Curve Pilates Studio. Stacey has been teaching Pilates for many years since discovering it was very good for her own health. She teaches Reformer Pilates, which involves stretching gently and using pulleys, beds on tracks, and chains. She explained that it was created by Mr Pilates, who used the technique to help ballet dancers overcome physical stress. My classmates and I drew the machines and drew Sophie, who is our TA in class, doing it. I really, really enjoyed it because it made me feel calm and relaxed. I included a picture of a spine because in Pilates it is important to know your body and how it works, and it helps with balance and harmony. I really like my painting, and I feel proud of it because all of us worked hard and it took a lot of determination to follow and understand the steps. One of the steps that was hard for me, but I got there in the end, was when we had to do the shading on the bodies and we needed to put light where it was hitting. One thing that I like about my painting is the pattern that I made on the trousers because it looks colourful and it feels like it is coming to life. I would like to do Pilates because I found out that it can really help you and it can make you stronger and fitter. Art is important to me because it makes me feel like I am part of it, and whenever I do Art, I feel comforted. It feels to me that I am floating in the sky with the clouds because you are brushing that paint with colour.
Inclusive Energy Biogas Startup, The Old Biscuit Factory Bermondsey
By Aamira Year 5
For my art project, I learnt about a start-up company at the old Victorian Biscuit Factory site in Bermondsey. We went to a small office in the very big building to meet Gareth and sketch his everyday life as a biogas engineer and whilst we were there, Gareth told us his motto, ‘Engineers make design work for people,’ which I found inspiring.
The thing that I really liked about my painting was that it was very modern and eco-friendly and green. The Biscuit Factory originated in Victorian times, so it has experienced lots of changes, which is why outside the window you could see a construction site demolishing a building and new flats and offices being built. Biscuits were originally needed as dry food supplies for ships to travel long distances across the British Empire, and they were also used a lot in wars because people needed something quick to eat. I learnt that Bermondsey was once called ‘Biscuit Town’ because they invented biscuits there. I wouldn’t like to work as an engineer because the work seems a bit dangerous and hard to do, but overall, the project was fun, and I really want to do something like this in secondary school.
Lucy the Free Diving Florist, Igloo Flowers, Druid Street Bermondsey
By Anas Year 5
For our art project, Lucy was our subject. She told us about her love of nature and flowers while she made up bouquets for business customers, parties, weddings, funerals and walk-in customers, all whilst taking orders on the phone. One thing that I like about my painting is that there are many colourful flowers. The reason why I liked the flowers is because it made the picture really shine. Another thing that I liked was putting in the details in her body, such as the hair and the hands. I would not like to be a florist; I would like to be an IT Engineer. The reason why I want to be an IT Engineer is because I am really interested in computers and games. Whilst we were at the flower shop, I felt like myself, Raphael, Dibabari and Ava had a great time understanding the importance of being a florist. We also had a great time sketching Lucy in the flower shop. Ed Gray also helped me with everything, and he helped me with painting and getting the right tones. I will always remember Ed Gray, even when I get older.
Kevin Boys the Blacksmith, Surrey Docks Forge
By Eleanor Year 5
For our art project, I went to Kevin Boys’ blacksmith forge at Surrey Docks Farm by the river. A blacksmith is called a blacksmith because they work with iron, which is black metal, and not gold. People have been melting and shaping metal for six thousand years by the Thames, which I think is amazing. Kevin is a creative person who makes lots of different things. He sometimes remakes ancient Bronze Age weapons for museum displays, and he has even made his own tools. He has made statues like the Pilgrim by the river in Rotherhithe, the statue of Private Albert McKenzie VC in Tower Bridge Road, and the Lion in The Blue. He is also making work about Eleanor of Aquitaine. Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine had 11 children and outlived all of them except two. She was the daughter of William, the Duke of Aquitaine, and she married Prince Louis, the son of King Louis VI of France. She is best known for being Queen of England and France, and there is a picture of her on the wall in the forge. I like the fact that she is called Eleanor as that is also my name! In my painting you can see a model of an old Thames barge that he made for a customer in the bottom right. The work is very physical, and it is hot in the summer and warm by the fire in the winter. He also made us a beautiful scroll shape to take back to school.
About my painting, I like that the roaring fire is realistic and beautiful. He has four arms in my painting because he is hammering and shaping the metal fast, and blacksmiths need strong forearms. I wouldn’t like to work as a blacksmith because it makes your hands dirty and you could easily burn yourself on the hot metal or near the fire.
Mimi at Kiana’s Beauty Clinic, Grange Road Bermondsey
By Ava Year 5
For our art project, we visited Mimi at Kiana’s Beauty Clinic on Grange Road in Bermondsey, which is in the service business sector. Mimi posed for us while she was getting her nails done. I felt very calm because it was a very peaceful, quiet room. The design I liked in the shop was the clear windows with the Hawaiian plant and leaf in front of them. I really liked the colour theme because the chairs and seats were a beige/pinky colour, and I liked the calm feeling there. Out of the window, I saw the Alaska building right across the road, so I wanted to include it in my painting.
What I liked about my painting was the tights Mimi was wearing because when I painted them, I painted a black base, then made a super dark grey and drew a line in the middle and at the top. Lastly, I got my brush and swiped it down to the bottom to make a fabric pattern. My favourite part of the painting was the nail varnish rack on the wall because I really liked that I got to go freestyle on the colours! My least favourite bit of my painting was the plant pot because it kept getting smaller and smaller so I had to do all I could to make it look big. It was also really hard to draw the nail artist because she changed halfway through my sketch when she had a phone call, so it was a bit wobbly.
I would like to be a beautician when I am older because I like painting and painting nails. I remember when I did my auntie’s nails for Halloween, but she had to take them off because she works in a nursery and they were not child proof. However, I also would not like to be a beautician because I have other dreams like being an actor, artist and designer.
Pat at RW Autos Morrocco Street Bermondsey
By Leo Year 5
For our art project, I painted RW Autos on Morrocco Street in Bermondsey, which is a family business that began in 1969. However, the site has been used to maintain vehicles for over 200 years, and I think a long time ago they might have fixed horses and carts instead of cars. Pat is a mechanic and he has been working there for 35 years straight, which is a really long time to provide for his family. He has been a hard worker and he helps people fix their cars. In my painting, Pat is working in his beautiful garage fixing a car, and there are other mechanics in the scene helping as well. One of the mechanics we met there had even gone to Boutcher Primary School, which I thought was interesting and that is why I did a painting of him and his beautiful garage.
Ed Gray helped me with the detail and to mix the colours, which took so long, and I put all my effort into every bit of detail. I had to do a lot of things to get to where I am now. I’ve missed some of my favourite subjects in school to do this amazing project, and I have sacrificed a lot, like many of my clothes are ruined because of all the paint. I’ve made many mistakes, but people say mistakes help you learn. I like my painting because of all the effort I put into it and the detailed colours I mixed. I would like to work in a garage because Pat has shown that if you work hard for many years, you can help lots of people and provide for your family.
Britebox Foodbank Bermondsey
By Connie Year 5
For our art project, I did my painting about Brite Box Foodbank in Bermondsey, which is in the voluntary business sector. Brite Box is a charity that helps people and families overcome food insecurity. They get food from Morrisons and make some lovely recipes for different schools and families. Our school get to have a Brite Box and all of us really like having it on Fridays. My painting shows the volunteer workers preparing fresh vegetables and tins of food for the service users of this Bermondsey foodbank. It helps people because maybe some families don’t have much, but when you give it to them they will be so happy because they get it for free.
In my painting, there are pictures on the wall and one of them says ‘peace love pray’. I wanted to add that because Ed Gray and I thought it would be really nice, as they are kind words. I have never volunteered before, but one of my friend’s mums volunteers at Christmas to make a roast dinner for homeless people in a soup kitchen. I think we need people to volunteer and help others eat healthily and cheaply because some families don’t have much money and need support. What I love about my painting is the pictures I added, especially the one that says ‘peace love pray,’ because I think it is sending a kind message to the homeless people to eat, love and pray.
A Moment of Reflection Bishop Of Southwark Christopher Chessun in his Residence
By Rose Year 5
For our art project, I painted the Bishop of Southwark, who has been a Bishop for over 15 years and has been dedicated to spreading the word of God. His favourite part of being a Bishop is meeting young people and teaching them about the word of God, Bible stories, and what they teach us. He finds it very difficult when helping people who mourn and also for the sick. He finds this hard because he knows God did not create people to mourn, but he also knows it is a lesson people must learn.
In my painting, I included the heron sculpture, which symbolises the mother bird feeding her chicks and contrasts with the Bible story when Jesus fed the 5,000. I also included a glass of water to represent purity. I put two crosses in my painting, one was a thank you card to the Bishop from a person he had taught about God, and the second cross was in the chain he wore, which was a bit like a rosemary but in chain form. My favourite part of my painting was doing the two windows, especially the one with the Shard. I liked this part because it really shows that this is London, with our amazing buildings like The Walkie Talkie, The Shard, and of course our red double decker buses.
Speed Queen! Lizzie Huang Combat Trainer / Sports Masseuse
By Dibabari Year 5
For our art project, Lizzie came to our art studio to be sketched. She went through many of the moves she teaches for combat training, and she even stood on her head! Lizzie teaches clients at Fight City Gym and in parks outdoors and she also works as a sports masseuse. She also took us to sketch another side of her job which was washing towels for her clients at the Long Lane Laundrette. Lizzie even brought us tasty snacks from the shop on the way. She also loves playing piano and painting. What I like about my painting is that Lizzie is all over the place and looks very different in every image of her. I like that I included two places in one painting. Lizzie is an amazing person and probably a great masseuse. My painting shows Lizzie’s creative energy onto a surface, which helps it shine as bright as her.
Jaro the Bridge lift Driver Tower Bridge
By Olivia Year 5
For our art project, I painted the Tower Bridge Lift Driver, who was called Jaro. He loved his job, which involved other engineering and fixing tasks when he wasn’t operating the bridge. Working also with Anas and Chali’s drawings, my scene shows the moment the driver opens the bridge from the cabin on the north side, while the crowds and cars wait for the tall-masted boat to pass through. Bridge lifts can happen as much as three times a day.
Tower Bridge opened on the 30th of June 1894, and the bridge lift used to be powered by a sophisticated Victorian hydraulic system driven by coal-fired steam engines. Horse-drawn wagons and river barges brought transport to these early sources of fuel and power for Tower Bridge. In my painting, I liked the detail on the buildings, and I liked how I drew Tower Bridge opening. I think I drew Jaro well, and the control panel had many buttons and radios.
Tower Tandoori Restaurant Tower Bridge Road
By Gemini Year 5
For our art project, I painted Tower Tandoori, the oldest Tandoori restaurant in Bermondsey, which opened in 1978 and was recently awarded Traveller’s Choice Best of the Best by Trip Advisor in 2025. Although I didn’t go on the trip, I managed to create my drawing from other people’s sketches. Chef Mr Raj showed us how he prepares for the customers and even made us some delicious naan breads served with mango lassi. He told us about his long working days, but also how much he loves working in the restaurant.
What I like about my painting is that I got to copy some people, so the kitchen looked busier, because it wasn’t packed with workers that day. I would like to work in a restaurant because they get to make people’s day. I would work as a waitress because if a food went wrong then I would not get the blame and I would not like to be a manager because I do not want to be shouted at. What I really enjoyed about doing the painting was that we got to look through pictures and cut and stick them onto a green bit of card. After that we got carbon paper and traced it onto a canvas. It was a hard process and we had to make sure we did not move the carbon paper, otherwise we would go over the same thing twice. Soon after, we mixed red and black paint to outline the drawing. Most of my painting was silver, but it was still hard to do all the creases. Last week we used glue and water to varnish the painting. This whole project was very fun and I wish I could do it again.
‘Nat the Cat’ Fashion Designer and Artist Jon Wealleans Grange Road Bermondsey
By Raphael Year 5
For our art project, I painted Natalie Gibson, or Nat the Cat, who is a famous fashion designer. She has been making and printing designs for a long time and has worked at London’s best fashion design colleges, including Central St Martin’s, teaching fashion since 1964. She received an MBE from the late Queen in 2014 for her services to fashion. Also in the painting is her husband, the architect and artist Jon Wealleans. He is holding a book he has just illustrated about people and stories in Soho. Their home was new, big, and full of paintings and designs.
I really like my painting because of all the different colours. Nat’s house was massive and had a lot of paintings with interesting designs, and her cats were very interesting too. I would not like to live in that big home because it is very spacious and she has so many important things, I don’t know how she could even move! My favourite part of my painting is all the different bright colours and the details of Nat’s house and her designs.
Brewing and bottling at The Kernel Brewery Spa Road
By Hazimah Year 5
For our art project, I painted The Kernel Brewery on Spa Road, which brews and sells beer to pubs all over London and other parts of the country. It was one of the first breweries to open on the famous Bermondsey Beer Mile. Beer was often safer to drink than water in Victorian times in London.
Lizzie talked us through the brewing process and the big silver vats of beer. She used a long ladle to show us what the mash, made from malted barley, hops, and water, looked like. I saw glass bottles in a machine getting ready to be filled with beer, and I saw people making beer inside a big machine. It looked really weird because there were little black things inside, which was a bit disgusting to me, but that is how you make beer. The brewery smelt like alcohol and it also smelt a bit strong. It sounded really noisy and loud because of the machines. There were people making beer, sorting out the bottles, and cleaning the bottles. The best part I loved about my painting is the machines because I got to do different colours of black and white, and the machine looked like the best part of my painting.
Ben the Fishmonger at The Blue Bermondsey, Mr Fish Sole of Bermondsey
By Alexandra Year 5
For our art project, I painted Ben the fishmonger, who has recently taken over the stall from his late father, Russell Dryden, who also appears in a photograph in the painting. When we began to sketch him, something really funny happened. Ben crossed his arms while posing, and just then a bird screamed so loud that Evangeline and I started laughing really hard. It was funny to see the stripey awning fall down over him like a curtain just as he folded his arms. After that, Ben just got on with his work and I began to sketch.
Ben told us he has to get up at about 5 or 6am in the morning to collect the fish from Billingsgate Market and then get his cart ready for customers at the Blue Market. There is a man who comes every single day to get fish, and he always gets a free oyster. When we were there, we saw him eat and swallow an oyster whole and it was a bit disgusting!
In my painting, Ben is getting the fish ready for a customer while a bird is trying to steal some. All the things we saw in the cart are in the painting, but the thing that stands out the most is the picture of Ben’s dad. I think it is really important because when someone you love, who has always been with you since the beginning, passes away, you try your best to remember them and all the things they helped you with and helped you to become you. Rest in peace, Russell.
Dockhead Fire Crew, London Fire Brigade, Dockhead Bermondsey
By Arielle Year 5
For our art project, I painted Dockhead Fire Station, which was built in 1928. It was very busy during World War 2 when the docks of Southwark were heavily bombed, and it was rebuilt in 2016. It was also used as the location for the TV show London’s Burning. At the fire station, we met a funny and kind man called Phil, and he showed us around the station, which was my favourite part. The firefighters showed us the gym, the kitchen, their beds and where they sleep, the laundry room, and the room with the silver pole. Something funny happened when the alarm suddenly rang really loudly and it made us all jump! They also sent a fire truck all the way from Old Kent Road, and it was huge! It had a tall ladder that was way taller than I expected and they said they use it for saving cats from tall trees and for helping people on high platforms. Sadly, I would not like to be a fire officer because it is too risky and I am afraid of heights, and I really want to be a dentist when I grow up.
In my painting, I chose to show Phil because he helped us around the fire station and made us laugh. Phil is a really wonderful and lovely person. On the wall in my painting, there is a black and white photo of how the fire station looked in the olden times, showing horses and people. I love my painting and I am super proud to be part of this project. It was a privilege to paint with my friends and Ed Gray because he helped me become better at art.
Trainee Dentists, Imaging and Dermatology at Guy’s Hospital Bermondsey
By Evangeline Year 5
For our art project, we went to sketch the trainee dentists at Guy’s Hospital. Guy’s and St Thomas’s Hospitals are the biggest employers in Southwark. They were practising to be dentists, and it was basically like a test at school but on dummies instead of paper. The room was tall, about as high as two buses stacked together. When I looked out of the window, I saw four big teeth on the windowsill. It was a gloomy day, but we could see lots of beautiful buildings, and it was a really nice day to go there.
We also went to the X-ray room and looked at the equipment and an X-ray of hands. Then we went to the dermatology department, which was really cool, and we learnt about lots of different anatomy. If I were to work at Guy’s, I would like to be a dentist. I like my painting because it is unique and it was quite difficult to do. It has a lot of people in it, and I find people difficult to draw or paint, so I feel very proud of how it turned out!
Ini the Barrister, Inner London Crown Court Southwark
By Chali Year 5
For our art project, I painted a barrister who works in the legal profession and is standing in front of Inner London Crown Court in Southwark. A group of my friends and I visited her chambers by Blackfriars Bridge. There was a bookshelf in the office with plenty of dusty law books dating back 200 years, full of cases and stories! A barrister is a legal specialist who acts as a courtroom advocate and expert legal adviser. They also represent clients in courts and tribunals and specialise in certain areas of law. Ini, the barrister we met, practised different cases and said she loved stories as a child, which is why she enjoys law as it is full of stories.
What I like about my painting is that it shows the barrister outside the court with all the details of the building and her presence. If I were to work in law one day, I think I would be interested in criminal law because I like solving problems and understanding people’s stories.
Southwark At Work Project Outline
In September 2025 we sought partner businesses in Southwark who were interested in visits from small groups of pupils from Year 5 with the aim of sketching people in their working environments. The project was intended as an opportunity for creative conversations about what constitutes a successful and fulfilling working life. A group of 9 &10-year-old pupils have now created a series of nineteen large scale paintings on canvas for public exhibition at Southwark Council HQ in Tooley Street.
We would like to thank all our partner organisations and businesses. This exhibition is a celebration of the best of Southwark – our Mayor Sunny Lambe, Ini the barrister, Kevin Boys the blacksmith, Bishop of Southwark Christopher Chessun, Kiana the beautician, Bell &Sons Butchers’, Inclusive Energy Biscuit Factory biogas startup, Igloo Flowers, Ben the fishmonger Sole of Bermonsdey, Curve Pilates, Lizzie Huang combat trainer, Jaro the Tower Bridge bridge-lift driver, Pat the mechanic at RW Autos, Natalie Gibson the fashion designer, Jon Wealleans the artist, the Kernel Brewery, trainee dentists at Guy’s Hospital, Dockhead Fire crew, chefs at Tower Tandoori and volunteer workers in Britebox foodbank at the South London Mission.
At a time when AI is changing the way we work, this series of paintings captures so much of the life of our times. People skills, creativity, cooperation, ingenuity, dedication, inclusivity, humanity and love, each one a cornerstone of Southwark’s community, seen through the eyes of the youngest and most impressionable members of our community as they look towards a fulfilling future working life of their own.
Amira Year 5 pupil Boutcher Primary School ‘I really enjoyed the sessions as it helped us to understand people’s daily lives in Southwark & helped us to draw and paint more realistically’.
Feedback
Anas Year 5 pupil Boutcher Primary School:
‘I really liked the experience of watching the florist at work, cutting the flowers and learning about them. I really liked the fancy Buddha in the flower shop and I included it in my painting’.
Eilidh Verhoeven Headteacher Boutcher Primary School:
‘Taking our Y5 children out to sketch people at work offered valuable opportunities to widen their horizons through real-world experiences beyond the classroom. Observing professionals in their working environments helped children our understand different careers and roles in their community, whilst building their confidence through meaningful interactions with adults in various settings. These visits also developed important art skills, as children practised observational drawing in authentic contexts, learning to capture movement, expression and the details of working life. Additionally, such experiences sparked curiosity about future possibilities and helped our children see the relevance of their learning to the world around them. Our partnership with Ed Gray, a local artist, enriches this experience enormously – his skills, enthusiasm and knowledge teach us all so much, helping children develop their artistic techniques whilst inspiring them to see the world through an artist’s eyes’
Ed Gray
‘Eilidh and I intended to create a project that introduced pupils to the world of work and gave our chosen subjects the chance to discuss their working lives in a relaxed atmosphere whilst they were sketched by the pupils. Working in small groups, the pupils witnessed the routines and environments of working life first-hand through 19 school trips into our community. They had time to listen to stories of working life and asked questions about the chosen career paths of our hosts while they drew them. These intense and emotional bursts of creative experiences enabled them to create wonderful paintings, but more importantly they have enjoyed life-changing memorable meetings with some of the remarkable passionate working people of Southwark, from all walks of life, who have opened their doors and welcomed us in to their working environments and their lives.’
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