Describing art as rubbish would insult most artists – but not the pupils at Rutlish Secondary School when their “Everything Must Go” artwork project goes on display at Merton’s Reuse and Recycling Centre, Garth Road, Morden on Tuesday 28 June.

Artist Stefan Shankland, assisted by Hayley Skipper, have been working with Rutlish pupils to make sculptures from the contents of their home recycle boxes.

The project, part of the Wandle Trail Arts programme, commissioned by Merton Council Arts Development and Sustrans, focuses pupils’ attention on growing human consumption and how society hides the disposal of its waste.

The way pupils dispose of their work at the Reuse and Recycle Centre, will highlight the potential of waste, offering a new way of looking at the ever-increasing mountains of waste that we generate on a daily basis.

Councillor Linda Kirby, cabinet member for environmental quality, said, “This artwork project is a great way to highlight the negative affects our consumer society is having on the environment. After conducting this project I hope our pupils and their parents will take recycling more seriously.”

For more information about the “Everything must go” project please call Viv Philpot 020 8545 3571 or look online at http://www.merton.gov.uk/arts.

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Notes to editor
§ Sustrans is the UK’s leading sustainable transport charity.
§ Work on the Wandle Trail has included 2 new bridges, chicanes and waymarkers designed and made by Andrew Sabin plus a series of 10 Blue Plaques by Jemima Burrill.
§ All Saints and Singlegate Secondary Schools also took part in the “Everything must go” artwork project.
§ The Wandle Trail Arts Programme is funded by Arts Council England, the SEED fund, the British Society of Architects the Norland Foundation and London Borough of Merton