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Take me to the River – East London pupils dig deep for new photography exhibition at London City Airport

Wednesday 30 January 2008

An exhibition of original artwork inspired by the enthusiasm of east London schoolchildren for art and archaeology has now gone on show at London City Airport.

'Take me to the River' is a unique collection of images by artist Helen Marshall, who worked with archaeologist Andy Brockman, University of East London (UEL) staff and Year 6 pupils from Drew Primary School in Silvertown to document artefacts dicovered by the children on the foreshore of the River Thames at North Woolwich.

UEL organised the project as part of its ongoing 'Ports of Call' programme, which uses hands-on art, archaeology and history to enable local residents to explore and enjoy the rich heritage of the Thames and its docks.

Toby Butler, Ports of Call Project Director at UEL, said: “The 'Take me to the River' exhibition is the culmination of an innovative project aimed at encouraging school children to learn about their surroundings through art, archaeology, storytelling and computer imaging techniques.

“The children really enjoyed coming to UEL's Docklands campus to learn about art and design and see what an exciting place university can be. Down by the river they made their own discoveries, including pottery produced by local companies, Diwali lamps and metal cobras that were probably placed in the river as part of a Hindu ritual.

“Their school is situated right next to City Airport, so now the children can experience the thrill of seeing their work professionally displayed and on view to the public.”

'Take me to the River' is a free exhibition, on display in the viewing gallery at the top of the escalator in the main concourse of London City Airport until mid-February. The exhibition is open Monday to Friday, Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons. The nearest station is City Airport DLR.

For further information, visit www.takemetotheriver.co.uk or contact Toby Butler on 0795 729 4907 or t.butler@uel.ac.uk.

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For details and pictures contact Daniel Cherry: 020 8223 2194

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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