Sutcliff’s was packed at the launch of the exhibition in June, with members of the school community able to see coursework and exam-unit art occupying almost every corner of the five-storey art centre: from large murals and triptychs to ceiling-high sculptures and looming portraits. At the launch, there was much congratulation of the young artists by parents and staff, with teachers keen to secure works for the walls of their own departments in the coming year, as is the Westminster tradition.

Highlights of 2023 include Alexei’s (Remove, LL) sculpture, an abstract structure obfuscated by wrapped material that stands from the table up to the ceiling in one of the department’s largest studios. In the basement, the scale and intensity of Susanna’s (Remove, RR) two large canvas works, evoking Caravaggio, is striking; while Zoe’s (Remove, WW) assortment of abstract portraits, chosen for Westminster’s permanent collection and featuring Liddell’s housemaster Dr Ransford Agyare-Kwabi, stand out against their red backgrounds.

On the exhibition and the works, Zoe (Remove, WW) said: “Over the course of studying art at Westminster, I most enjoyed painting portraits of people I knew like my friends and teachers. My portraits aimed to capture a likeness but I also wanted make sure they weren’t extremely realistic – which is why I use a bright red background.”

Sam (Remove, AHH) added: “It’s been a very humbling and fun experience to see myself grow as an artist over these past five years at Westminster. I didn’t think I would be pursuing art further, so I’m grateful my teachers (Mr Woodman) and my classmates helped me to nurture this passion.”

Head of Art, Jim Allchin