Sketch hops to sculpture: Kingsmeadow’s Peter Rabbit design ready for adventure
Kingsmeadow Community School students unveiled the design of their sculpture this week as it sets off on its Peter Rabbit: Tales on the Tyne adventure this summer.
The sculpture’s final design is a culmination of ideas submitted by Key Stage 3 students as part of an art project aimed at encouraging creativity, self-expression and collaboration, whilst raising money for St. Oswald’s Hospice.
Now ready to hop into its next chapter!
Following the success of Great North Snowdogs in 2016, Elmer’s Great North Parade in 2019, and Shaun on the Tyne in 2023, the school’s finished piece will feature in the city’s fourth art trail that celebrates St. Oswald’s Hospice 40th birthday and Beatrix Potter’s 160th anniversary.
The school’s project began earlier this year when students brainstormed fundraising ideas and developed their designs before the school’s Senior Leadership Team selected the elements that would be included in the final piece.
Mr Barrett, Head Teacher, praised the students for their hard work and imagination. He said: “This sculpture represents much more than art, it reflects teamwork, determination and the incredible talent of our students. I am so proud of our students’ hard work to raise funds that will support the patients and families who rely on the care of St Oswald’s Hospice.
“I am also delighted that so many people will get to see and enjoy our lasting piece of public art when it features as part of the free, inclusive Tales on the Tyne art adventure.”
The Kingsmeadow Peter Rabbit design can be seen from Wednesday 15 July – Monday 14 September 2026, when iconic landmarks in Newcastle and North Tyneside will be transformed by the arrival of super-sized sculptures of Peter Rabbit.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “This is a fantastic example of creativity, collaboration and community spirit in action. Projects like this give young people a real sense of pride in their ideas while also contributing to something that benefits the wider region and supports an incredibly important cause.”