Testimonials

Trinity Primary School, Hereford

Filbert (aka Paul Priestley) has led four workshops at this school during the past term each with a different Key Stage 2 year group on Picasso, Monet, Turner, landscape painting and portraiture.

We found him easy to work with and the prior discussion with teachers was very helpful in asserting what we would like and what we would expect in terms of organisation.The children were obviously interested and fully engaged by his dramatic interaction of the artist's lives and gained insights into the style of painting they would be attempting.

When they began to create their own pictures he helped them understand exactly what their targets were and they were guided appropriately towards them without being made to feel inadequate. We were surprised and delighted by the excellent standard of work produced by the children and the teachers enjoyed having a go too! We would have no hesitation in recommending Paul to any school.'

Fulham Prep School

Thank you for a most inspiring day. The children had a fantastic experience and it was a pleasure to meet you.We hope to see you again in the near future.

Holy Trinity RC High School. Carlton, nr Goole

I just wanted to say a big thank you for your visit this week.  Martin and I were both incredibly happy with the way the day unfolded - what you did was absolutely spot on, so thank you.  I hope you'll be able to visit us again; I will also discuss possible options with St Mary's primary school and get back to you..

Stanburn Junior School,

Thanks again for a fabulous 2 days including a permanent and inspiring reminder on our mural! We really enjoyed working with you and would love to have you back.

St Mary's RC Primary School, Chorley

Thanks very much for your visit to St Marys. The children (and staff) had a fantastic day and learnt lots. The art work produced was wonderful. There were lots of very postive comments from all of the staff about the quality of the presentation and the work you did with the children. I am going in to school over the half term to put up a display of the drawings and paintings  We will certainly book you in the future. Once again thanks for an excellent and enjoyable day.

The Mere School, Warminster

Just a short message to say thank you for a great 2 days last week. Many parents have commented how the children enjoyed working with you and I think we all, staff included learnt so much about the life of the artists. You made our art week the best we have had, not only did the children have a great time, but they really learnt some new ideas and skills. If we can book you again we will.

Kings School, Worcester

Dear Paul,- we were really impressed with your Picasso experience. Thank you very much; the afternoon was most successful. Please do Van Gogh next!

Inkberrow First School

THANK YOU!! I just wanted to convey to you how much fun your day was yesterday for us all!! It was a a great learning experience for everyone involved across the school of all ages!! This afternoon in my class, Reception and Year 1, the children continued to 'buzz' about Picasso. Some of us spent time finishing off the paintings and others put our black lines on to complete the finished masterpieces........they really are brilliant! Thanks again and see you soon.

Kington Primary School, Herefordshire

Just a quick note to say HOW MUCH my children enjoyed your visit to Kington Primary School. My (very serious) 8 year old came home to tell me a very famous artist had visited the school today, 'even though he was actually dead' (I think he thought you were really Picasso and was puzzled to how you could be in school and dead!) My 5 year old loved your assemblies and recounted with glee details of the love affairs and the death of Picasso

Orleton Primary School, Ludlow

'Just to say a big thank you from us all at Orleton School for three excellent days, All the children loved it and every display board in the hall and reception area is now adorned with work from budding Picasso's, Van Gogh's and Monet's!!!!!! Hope to see you back again soon.'

St Bernadette's RC Primary School, Harrow

Just wanted to say thank you so much for the brilliant workshop you did with our Yr 4 and 5 children last week. If you would like us to write a review on your website please let us know as we would be more than happy to write something. Both the children and staff had a great day and it was a great start to our arts week.

Abbey Mead Primary School, Gloucester

Many thanks for coming in for our Andy Warhol morning. The teachers and children thoroughly enjoyed the morning and have made some excellent portraits, after your fantastic input. We also really enjoyed the interactive talk and the children now feel like Andy Warhol experts

Stoke Prior Primary School, Leominster

Dear Paul, aka ‘Filbert’

Once again, it is hard to know where to begin – we’d like to thank you for so many things! Thank you so much for being Andy Warhol, for dressing up, telling his story and inspiring our Year 5 and 6. The guidance you’ve given, the work our pupils produced, the enthusiastic chatter and above all – the excitement amongst the children that you made them feel like artists and produce work – ‘just like a real artist’.

You put so much energy into every session and the lovely thing about that is watching our children, each one of them putting energy and effort into their work combined with excitement and great enthusiasm. All in all – we all had a wonderful day and look forward to your next visit, next term.

Bretforton First School, Worcester

Staff comments on Filbert's Van Gogh Day .

* He really brought the subject to life for the children and conveyed some tricky aspects about Van Gogh's life in a way that the children could understand

* I liked the way Paul really showed the children each skill before setting them off on task

* I really enjoyed seeing the way he got the children to make their own versions of Van Gogh's paintings - the sunflowers were absolutely brilliant.

Rencombe College, Cirencester

Salvador Dali Day

Thanks so much for your fantastic inspiration. We shall be booking you again next year.

Burghill Primary School, Hereford

Thanks once again for a brilliant day, both pupils and staff really enjoyed it and I am hoping that we will be able to arrange another arts day in the next school year!!