Pupils’ festive handicraft finds outlet in Oracle pop-up shop
YOUNG people at Prior’s Court School, Hermitage, have teamed up with a pop-up shop which hopes to sell their Christmas creations once lockdown is lifted.
Prior’s Court is an independent special school for children and young people with autism, aged from five to 20 years.
In the run-up to the festive season, pupils have been designing wrapping paper, Christmas cards and Advent calendars, among other gift items.
Two pieces of upcycled furniture straight from Prior’s Court’s workshop are also being put up for sale.
It was intended that these would be displayed and sold by Artisans Handmade UK, at The Oracle shopping centre in Reading, with proceeds going towards buying handicraft materials at Prior’s Court.
November’s lockdown has meant the closure of the store, but it is hoped that it will reopen in time for the Christmas shopping period.
The teacher who had arranged for the work to be sold in the shop, Charlie Harris, said: “Our young people have contributed at all stages to the items on display in the pop-up shop – from making the cards to pricing up and every stage of the upcycling furniture process.
“A huge thank you to Kellie Henderson from Artisans Handmade UK for her support and allowing us to be a part of the pop-up shop.
“We’re very excited to show shoppers at The Oracle not only the skills and abilities of our young people, but also what Prior’s Court is all about – empowering and enabling young people affected by severe autism to live happy, healthy, fulfilling lives.”