Extracting pigments from rocks, roots and berries – an activity that combines art, history from medieval to modern and a touch of chemistry – is a fun way to gain an appreciation of the role of colour in culture.

It not only gives students an appreciation of the work that went into the creation of some of the world’s masterpieces, but opens their eyes to the toxicity of some of the early colours – art meets ‘Horrible Histories’!

Refining the pigment with a muller and slab before making it into paint.

All images from the Senior Church Schools Festival.

Thanks to pupils and staff from The West Grantham Academy St Hughs and The St Lawrence Academy.