A Cumbrian primary school is getting ready to host an Anonymous Art Event as part of its 40th birthday celebrations. Hunter Hall School on the outskirts of Penrith will host the event on Saturday 6 June – doors open at 11am sharp.
Over the past two months, the school has been receiving entries from celebrities and artists, both amateur and professional from literally around the world. Now for one day only, these artistic contributions will be exhibited alongside current pupils’ creations, who have used their weekly dedicated art lessons to complete their own A5 mini masterpieces for the event.
With around 200 A5 artworks for sale at a fixed price (£50 each in main sale, £15 suggested minimum each for Hunter Hall pupil creations), it’s a chance for people to bag themselves a mini masterpiece.
The twist? None of the artworks are signed on the front so people are buying blind for a fixed price. Only after their purchase do they discover who caught their eye. Eagle-eyed art lovers could bag a bargain from a famous name or just acquire a new piece to enjoy in the name of art.
With contributing artists from as far afield as the USA, Portugal and Australia plus a brilliant representation of Cumbrian and Hunter Hall family talent, the team are expecting the event to be busy.
Over 60 people signed up including leading luminaries from the art, photography and creative industries including broadcaster and former MP for Penrith and The Borders, Rory Stewart, international photographer to the stars, John Swannell, global best-selling author Lee Child and California-based-Cumbrian-native (and former Hunter Hall parent) Simon Bull.
Closer to home featured artists include Maria Burton, Debby Akam, Sarah Taylor, Gary Power, Luke Sayer, Alex Jakob Whitworth, Paul Wilmott, Gina Farncombe, Colin Hindle, Steve Barber, Juno Lowther plus many more. Art paper was kindly donated by Kendal’s luxury paper-makers, James Cropper PLC.
Mediums featured include everything from acrylics and oils, to lino cut, embroidery, collage, pastels, charcoal and photography. And this has become a truly multi-generational event with the very youngest contributors aged just 5 while at the other end, the team were moved to receive entries from four generations of one family – the eldest being a spritely 93!
If members of the public spot a name or have a fondness for a particular artist’s style, they’re encouraged to get there in good time as people will be let in in groups of 10 on a first come, first served basis for just 5 minutes each. If the event proves popular, initial artwork sales will be limited to two two per person to allow as many people as possible to take part. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. All rules and instructions on how the event works can be found here
All artists and celebrities have contributed out of kindness and good will and all funds raised will go towards Creative Arts Scholarships and Bursaries at Hunter Hall to help ensure as many children as possible can experience a Hunter Hall education.
Head Paul Borrows commented:
“We’re overwhelmed by the response to our call out for artists and celebrities earlier in the year. I can’t wait to see all the artworks on display together. It’s been wonderful walking round school and seeing even our youngest pupils focused and immersed in creating their mini-masterpieces. In the spirit of that, I’m delighted that we’ll have our youngest and oldest contributors there on the day to officially open the event.
Since the school’s foundation, Hunter Hall pupils have been encouraged to explore a wide range of art forms, artists and media in inspiring places both in and out of the classroom, guided by specialist teachers and visiting artists.
As we mark our 40th year, we are committed to ensuring that, in the years ahead, as many children as possible can benefit from the wide-ranging creative arts opportunities a Hunter Hall education provides. I’m so pleased therefore that proceeds from this event will go towards supporting Creative Arts Scholarships and Bursaries.”
Just months ago, this much-loved local school faced imminent closure due to external pressures including the introduction of VAT on fees by the Labour government. Following a Herculean fundraising effort by the school’s parents and staff, the wider Cumbrian community coupled with the kindness of strangers from around the UK, its long term future was secured in just seven days at the beginning of December 2025. The team is now enjoying being able to properly celebrate 40 years of this pioneering school.
The school community will be celebrating the 40th birthday proper on Sat 6 June 11am-4pm on the playing field. Members of the public are welcome to stay and join some good old fashioned fun with a bouncy castle, welly ‘wanging’, tug of war and much more plus musical performances from Hunter Hall pupils past and present.
The Anonymous Art Event will open to the public with artworks on sale for just one day at 11am on Saturday 6 June in Hunter Hall’s school hall.