16th March 2018 — Alison Lapper MBE shared her experiences and spoke about her work as a professional artist in a whole Prep school assembly, with a group of Lancing College 3rd formers also in attendance. Alison then took Year 3 and Year 4 pupils in art workshops, where they undertook painting as mouth and foot artists, banned from using their hands in any way.

Alison’s talk was both inspiring and full of humour. She spoke of her determination from an early age to overcome the challenges of her disability and to prove wrong those who said that she would never be able to go to university, to live independently, give birth to and care for a child, or to make a living as a professional artist. She had brought along some examples of her greeting card designs and a stunning portrait of Prince Harry and Meghan dancing, which she plans to give them as a wedding gift. Her advice to the pupils was to be inspired to do their best, to go for their goals and not to let anyone discourage them from what they want to achieve.

The pupils bombarded her with questions at the end of the assembly including her favourite style of art (figurative and landscapes), how else she earns a living (after dinner and motivational speaking), what different things lie ahead (TV and radio presenting) and what part of her life she is most proud of (her son).

The art workshops were hugely entertaining, with the children grappling with paper, paintbrushes, paint palettes and water pots, using only their mouths and feet. Alison shared tips and hints with them and the pupils were impressed with how easy she made it all look. They soon found out it was rather more difficult to put into practice!

Francesca Milling, Head of PSHE at Lancing Prep Worthing, was delighted with the visit. She commented, “It was wonderful for our pupils to learn about Alison’s work and to hear her perspective on life. The children were buzzing with so many questions that we could have spent all day just talking and listening to her!”