ARTWORK by students from four Wirral schools takes its place alongside internationally-renowned masterpieces in an exhibition opening at Lady Lever Art Gallery in Port Sunlight tomorrow.

Fresh Perspectives: Art from Wirral Schools runs until May 1.

It features a diverse selection of paintings, photography and textiles created by GCSE and A-level students from South Wirral High School, St John Plessington Catholic College, Prenton High School for Girls and Weatherhead High School.

It is the third time the exhibition has been held at the Gallery. Works will be displayed across three rooms, showcasing the breadth of creative talent held by young people in Wirral.

Sandra Penketh, director of art galleries at National Museums Liverpool, said: “The Fresh Perspectives exhibition is always popular with visitors. We are sure that this year’s exhibition will see a similar response.

“From a mixture of portraits and vibrant paintings, to textiles and sculptures, the students are able to show a range of skills and talents in this year’s exhibition. They should all be very proud of their work and what they have achieved.”

The exhibition is supported by the Wirral-based Johnson Foundation, a long-time supporter of both the Lady Lever Art Gallery and educational projects for local children and young people.

Sarah Stewart, head of art and design at Weatherhead High School, said: "The opportunity to work with such an exciting group of young people is one of the best things about teaching.

"I know that myself and my colleagues are hugely appreciative of the effort and inspiration that our students put in to their work and it is really exciting to see their pieces displayed in such a prestigious exhibition.

"Fresh Perspectives offers a really amazing opportunity for young artists and it is lovely to see all their work on display alongside famous historical works by the likes of Rossetti, Reynolds and Wedgewood to name but three."

Gemma Churton, Art Teacher at Prenton High School for Girls, said: “We are extremely proud to be part of the Fresh Perspectives exhibition again this year. It is wonderful for our students to have the opportunity to show their work outside of school to a wider audience.

“To have their work on display in such prestigious art gallery is fantastic! I’m sure this will be an experience that they will not forget and something that will inspire their work in the future.”

Emma Cottham, a student from Prenton High School for Girls, said: "It is a privilege, as this is an amazing experience to be involved with, at school and with the Gallery. I feel honoured.”

Izzy Pots, student from South Wirral High School, said: “It feels amazing to be involved in this exhibition. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity; not every day you can say you’ve had work displayed in the Lady Lever Art Gallery.”

Among those exhibiting from Weatherhead High School are Ella Griffiths and Amber Blair-Keyes, both aged 17.

Ella said: “We’re flattered to be included in the exhibition. Never thought our work would be included in an exhibition like this.

“My theme was ruins, and I went down the route of chains, bolts and locks. Was quite an intense project to be involved in. Would definitely do it again.”

Siobhan Cull, project assistant for the education team added: "It took us quite some time to put the exhibition together.

"We started approaching the schools before the end of summer term before they broke up, in order to get their involvement. It's a good few months of work.

"This year we've had enough space to display all the work that was submitted.

"One of the teachers asked if their digital work could go, so we were able to use the TV that we have.

"It's unique and of supporting the local community. It's much more vibrant and fresher than the Victoria artworks and not something you'd expect to see in our gallery.

"There are a lot of talented artists who have thought deeply and conceptually about the work they have done."

For more information, visit www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/freshperspectives