Alan Birch

“I showed the inspectors the binded book as it was good evidence of child led learning. They were impressed. ‘ As part of the printing workshop the children not only learned a new skill but also developed creative thinking and how to work as part of a team. They really enjoyed the experience!’ . ‘The Ofsted inspectors were really impressed by the child initiated learning that took place during project’

( Jenni Steinberg. Year 4 and 5 teacher. Outwood Primary School, Cheadle.

Creative Partnership Project. Spanish Symbols 2010. )

“A super fun experience “. A positive outcome of the visit was working with Alan ”

( St Benedict’s Primary School, Stockport visiting Whitworth Art Gallery 2010. )

“Wow! What a morning, it was exciting and very relevant. Artist had really taken on board our Japanese theme. So really enhanced our topic and printing work.”Some words from children : amazing, brilliant, fascinating, artistic, enjoyable.

( St Anne’s Primary School, Fulshaw visiting Whitworth Art Gallery 2010. )

” The children have loved the printing and particularly enjoyed turning the press and the magic moment when the print was revealed. We are having a print making unit of work after half term and this has really hooked the children in.”

( Puss Bank Primary School, visiting Whitworth Art Gallery 2010. )

” Alan has delivered many wonderful printing workshops for the Grundy Art Gallery. children and young people have learnt traditional and unusual printing techniques and have especially enjoyed experimenting with different ways of making marks. Alan is an exceptional workshop artist, the young people found him affable and the workshop atmosphere to be relaxing and productive. All workshops have kept them fascinated for hours and i look forward to more workshops with Alan!

( Kerry Hunt, education Officer, Grundy Art Gallery. Blackpool. )

Thank you very much for organising the printmaking workshop last week. I just wanted to say how much the children enjoyed it and they ( and the teachers ) were delighted with the high quality work that they got to take away with them. We have made a big display of the wonderful prints that they made. Please pass on my thanks to Alan Birch, his enthusiasm was infectious and the children really enjoyed working with him.”

( Anna Critchley visiting Whitworth Art Gallery 2009. )

The children really enjoyed the printing sessions and the display we will create from the work will brighten up the hall. Thanks again for a great 3 days- you inspired the children and their teachers to try something new!”

( Kay Barrett, Red Lane Primary School, Bolton , Artist in Schools project on Africa and Australia. )

The most positive outcomes of the visit were how well the children drew following the artists input, the enjoyment of the children and the high standard of the work produced. Amazing, spectacular- childrens words.”

( Brookside Primary School, working from American print show at Whitworth Art Gallery 2010.)

” I am writing to say thanks for letting Class 6 go your gallery. Everybody had a fantastic time.My favourite bit of the day was getting my fingers dirty when we had a go of the printing press. The best pictures were the toad, cat and horse.”

( Chantelle Year 6 pupil. Corpus Christi Primary School , Oldham visiting

Oldham Art Gallery 2003 to work from Picasso’s print exhibition. )