Pupils from Moreton and Fyfield primary schools are to see their artistic studies broadened thanks to an innovative scheme sponsored by a supermarket chain.

As part of Sainsbury's nationwide Pictures for Schools scheme, Moreton and Fyfield's Dr Walker's School are to receive framed reproductions of four evocative paintings by distinguished artists.

Teachers and pupils from the two schools will attend a presentation ceremony at Sainsbury's Ongar store from 2.30pm on Thursday.

Both will receive a set of the paintings, along with a teachers' pack containing notes by a gallery educationalist and a BBC video on the artworks. A set of postcards will also be included for use as study aids.

The donations of the paintings was welcomed by Moreton Primary teacher Jane Devonald, who said: "As art co-ordinator, I will be using the paintings to introduce the children to the study of art.

"The paintings will be used in lessons and as a basis for class projects."

The four artists whose work has been chosen are David Hockney, Howard Hodgkin, Thomas Gainsborough and Jan van Eyck. All depict family scenes, but vary in their artistic styles. Works include Mr and Mrs Clark and Percy by Hockney, and The Arnolfini Portrait by van Eyck.

Said Miss Devonald: "The paintings are a good resource and we will be able to use them for a range of different classes.

"One of the pictures is abstract art, and another uses symbolism. It is difficult to introduce children to these ideas, but I will be asking them what they think about the paintings."

And commenting on the recent flooding which has seen half the school closed for repair work and three relocatable classrooms installed, she added: "The pictures could even be used to brighten up the new temporary classrooms. There's not much on the walls at the moment."

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