ABOUT

The Art Room

We’re Rachel & Natalie

We met in a primary school playground, both Harpenden mums of children in the same year groups. Years later, we remain great friends. We share a love of art, creative backgrounds and have both taught in primary schools. When we are not juggling fun family life, we both like to seek out any creative time that we can weave into our days, whether dabbling with painting and photography, fashion and interiors or exploring art in new places.

On New Year’s Eve 2022, an idea was sparked that would perfectly marry our passions: a mutual desire to make a difference to the way in which children are taught art. Eighteen months on, we are proudly opening the doors to The Art Room and can’t wait to welcome children to enjoy creativity and help their artistic journey flourish.

Rachel

I studied Art History at university and, after completing a master’s degree in Museum Studies, I enjoyed a career in the visual arts and worked for many years as an Exhibition Curator at Tate Britain. My role was driven by creativity and collaboration and, working with a diverse range of artists, gave me much experience in making, displaying and interpreting all kinds of art from sculpture and film to drawing and painting.

In recent years, as a Teaching Assistant at a local primary school, I enjoyed finding ways to bring my own creative skills into the classroom. Ever-ready to roll up my sleeves for prop-making, class displays or mindful colouring, I have most enjoyed using drawing as an aid to communication when supporting children in their learning. Every day, I saw how an image, no matter how basic, can explain, enlighten and inspire.

I have also loved guiding children through creative activities during my time as a Beaver leader. By providing fun opportunities to innovate through art making, I have seen how children can develop self-confidence through creative expression and take pride in their achievements.