Schoolchildren helped to celebrate Robert Owen’s birthday celebrations in his Newtown hometown.
The life of the father of co-operation, who set up the basis of co-operative principles in business, was marked on 14 May at the Robert Owen Museum in the town.
At the event, mayor Rina Clarke unveiled a fabric mural designed by the children to celebrate the life and influence of Robert Owen, who was born in 1771.
The brainchild of Robert Owen Museum artist in residence Ezma Macro, the project saw pupils from Hafren School create a tribute in cloth and embroidery to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the opening by Owen of the first free community school in the world in 1815.
Commenting on the successful completion of the mural, Ezma said: “I wanted to keep the work as close to each child’s original interpretation of pieces in the museum.
“It is fantastic to see their artistic creations inspired by the life of Robert Owen on the wall of the museum.
“The project has been a great way for children to learn more about Robert Owen and the rich history of Newtown. I hope to run more workshops and work with other schools in the future, bringing young people into the museum.”
• The Robert Owen Museum is open Monday to Friday between 11am and 3pm and on some Saturdays during the spring and summer months. For further details visit the museum’s website at robert-owen-museum.org.uk
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