St Mary’s Calne hosted their fourth triennial London Art Exhibition at Mall Galleries from 2nd to 7th November 2021. ‘Presence of Absence’ included over 160 pieces of art produced by current pupils, alumnae, parents, and staff and showed a breath-taking level of skill, creativity, and flair. The Exhibition was a great success and featured many varied and exciting works, including Voices on the Wind, the digital representation of our whole school community project in collaboration with professional artist and alumna, Arabella Dorman. Other notable pieces included ‘Girl’ by Royal Academy Young Arts GCSE painting category runner-up, Nina Li as well as works by Phoebe Dickinson, Arabella Brooke and our talented Head of Subject, Adrianna Wade, whose work was selected for our lead image.

The Private View Reception was held on the evening of Wednesday 3rd November and was generously sponsored by the Calne Girls’ Association. Over 200 parents, girls, alumnae and friends attended, and all thoroughly enjoyed the variety and diversity of the pieces. Many commented on the high standard of current girls’ work, as well as the very talented alumnae we have in our community. Our guest judge, Sandra de Laszlo, Director, and propagator of the de Laszlo Archive Trust and author of the Catalogue Raisonneé awarded prizes to the following:

Fourth Form (Years 7,8 and 9 ): Sophie Thompson (Highly Commended: Myra Zu)

Fifth Form (Years 10 and 11): Maya Newbigging (Highly Commended: Mia Waller)

Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13): Gigi Lane (Highly Commended: Anna Mallinckrodt and Talitha Powell)

In addition, The Calne Girls Association Prize was presented to Annabel Fox, the Fitzwilliam-Lay Prize to Adrianna Wade and the Curator’s Prize to Alexa Gibb.

St Mary’s Director of Art, Kimberley Appleyard Pallot commented that ‘Presence of Absence was a fantastic celebration of art and St Mary’s commitment to the very diverse and creative talents of our current and past pupils. Sandra de Laszlo as our Guest of Honour gave a fascinating insight into the world of Philip de Laszlo and a clear message to all our artists on how important it is to take risks, explore your instincts and passion, and be confident of your talent and most importantly enjoy your art.’