2002

Pierce Brosnan, John Hurt and Ralph Fiennes are among a host of stars to flex their artistic skills to help a London high school gain visual arts college status. Teddington School asked celebrities to contribute their drawings to help raise £50,000 required to make it eligible for a government scheme to improve its art facilities and bring art to neighbouring communities.

The 007 star apparently used time between takes on his new movie Die Another Day to put together a colourful self portrait using felt tip pens while The Elephant Man actor John Hurt sketched a sensuous female form.

Other celebrities participating include Michael Parkinson, Bridget Jones’s Diary actor Colin Firth and Richard E Grant.

One of the first high-profile names to respond was Bend It Like Beckham star Keira Knightley, who until 18 months ago was a pupil at Teddington school. The actress, who is currently filming an £8 million remake of Dr Zhivago in which she plays Lara, drew her offering on a call sheet from the movie.

Professional artists were also among those making a contribution. Controversial wunderkind Damian Hurst, Maggi Hambling, and Elizabeth Blackadder also sent in pieces. The highest valued work to date was received from 80-year-old Royal Academy member Mary Fedden whose distinctive painting was valued by Christie’s at £1,200.

“The response from these high-profile figures who are obviously very busy has been magnificent. It is very encouraging that they both bothered to respond and that they used their imagination and talent to provide something that will benefit children in education,” says Julia Myring, who along with fellow parent Val Clay, came up with the scheme.

All the paintings will be auctioned at the Landmark Arts Centre, Ferry Road, Teddington at 6pm on September 6. If it can raise the initial £50,000 by October 4 the school will receive an additional £125,000 grant which is plans to use towards an “arts bus” to tour local schools and old people’s homes. The school also wants to develop a photography dark room, sculpture garden and graphic design facilities.