Making their Mark by Castleford Academy

Brightly handpainted pottery pieces by women in the 1940s and pieces created by the Castleford Academy students

Making their Mark by Castleford Academy

In 2023 we invited students from Castleford Academy to create work inspired by Alice Gostick.

Alice Gostick taught art at Castleford Academy (then Castleford Grammar School) between 1911 - 1930. Her pupils included the famous sculptor Henry Moore.

Alice taught a style of hand painted pottery called peasant pottery. It was known for its bright colours, bold patterns and abstract designs. Alice ran evening classes in pottery painting for local people.

A group of Castleford Academy students drawing and painting on pieces of pottery

Today's Castleford Academy students have brought pottery painting back to Alice's old school. Over a couple of weeks they painted their own unique pots.

Each piece tells a personal story. Inspiration came from many places: K-Pop groups and YouTubers, nature, friendships, family, cats and unicorns!

As is tradition, the students have also put their own maker's mark on each piece.

A student writng their maker's mark on the base of a bowl

Their creations are now on show at Castleford Museum as part of the Making their Mark display.

The students visited to the museum to add their pots to the display. They placed them proudly alongside historic pieces by Alice and her pupils.

A student with John Whitaker, curator, placing a pottery piece in the display case

At the end of the project, we asked the students what they would say to Alice Gostick if they could. We also asked what they thought Alice would think about their work:

“I love your work and I hope lots of generations after us continue to do the same.”

“Thank you for your amazing artwork and inspiration.”