Eleanor Thomson with her wire sculpture

A 14-year-old, animal-loving artist from Jesmond has earned her first commission for two wire sculptures, from the National Trust.

Eleanor Thomson, a year 10 pupil at Church High Senior School, began to create wire sculptures of animals after learning the technique from her art teacher, Zoe Robinson. Since then, her work has included a rabbit, badger and fox.

The opportunity arose whilst Thomson was volunteering at the National Trust’s Gibside property in Rowlands Gill this summer, where she expressed her passion for sculpture. Upon seeing her work, the National Trust bought a pair of wire swallows which are now on display in the stables at Gibside.

Thomson told JesmondLocal: “I love art and when Miss Robinson taught us how to make a dragonfly using wire in year seven, I realised that sculpture was something I wanted to pursue. She challenged me to make some more intricate pieces and that was when I really started practicing the technique. I asked for wire for my birthday to make the sculptures and I’ve been creating pieces ever since – it was so rewarding to be recognised by the National Trust.”

Artist Zoe Robinson, from Newcastle, has been teaching sculpture and drawing at the school for the last six years; with her most recent project forming part of The Biscuit Factory’s autumn 2011 show. Her work primarily explores birds in their natural habitat, using wire and mixed media to create them. Robinson explores the same concepts and techniques in the classroom as in her exhibitions.

“I’m very proud of all that Eleanor has achieved and it’s fantastic to see her creating work to such a high standard,” said Robinson. “Teaching drawing and sculpture to the girls at Church High School is the perfect job for me – their creativity in being able to see potential art in the world all around them is fantastic and it’s so rewarding to watch their progression throughout the years.”

To view Eleanor’s wire sculptures, visit the stables at the National Trust’s Gibside landscape garden. For more information, see the Gibside website or contact 01207 541820.