To mark the official opening of our first Harrodian Postcard Exhibition on Monday 25 February, our Art Department hosted a special artist talk entitled 'Jonathan Yeo in conversation with Charming Baker.'
Their conversation gave the audience a fascinating insight into the life of an artist and explored the ways in which Charming (whose real name is Alan) creates his work. Jonathan Yeo had a list of questions, taken from pupils in advance of the event, that he asked on their behalf. Most of the questions were about Charming's background - his childhood interest in art, studying the subject at school and the moment when he first thought of himself as an artist. Jonathan also asked his own questions and was keen to find out more about the ideas and concepts behind Charming's artwork and his sources of inspiration.
Our 11s pupils (Year 7), who have been studying the work of Charming Baker in their art lessons with Ms Edenbrow, were excited to hear from the artist, and in particular about his use of destructive mark-making and why he often shoots or drills holes into his artwork. "It is about creating something both simultaneously beautiful and disturbing," he explained. " Capturing and conveying a feeling is what interests me most."
Capturing and conveying a feeling is what interests me most.
Charming Baker, artist
Both of the artists then turned their attention to the postcards produced by Harrodian pupils, parents, alumni and staff on display around the Theatre. They were impressed by the level of creativity and praised everyone's efforts. Jonathan spoke briefly about his ten favourite cards across the school and why he had chosen them. These postcards were printed professionally, produced in packs and sold on the evening, below.
Also on display were some postcards that Charming Baker and Jonathan Yeo designed specifically for our Harrodian exhibition, below, and these were available to bid for in a silent auction. 
Each of the postcards in the exhibition were on sale with an opening bid of £5. An impressive total of just under £2,000 has been raised so far and will be donated to the New Art Studio charity which provides a unique therapeutic art studio for asylum seekers and refugees.
There is still time to buy more though! Some of the original postcards and Jonathan Yeo's selection packs of ten are available to buy from Rachelle at Reception.
See the gallery below for more photos.
