Drumbeat School

Drumbeat School and the British Hat Guild Collaboration

Drumbeat School is a special needs school for children with autism and other complex needs in the London Borough of Lewisham. The school community is passionate about creating innovative learning opportunities to promote holistic development for all the children. 

The British Hat Guild worked with the school on a project for the pupils to create hats. Members of the Guild were delighted to donate materials for the children to create their headpieces. Initially it was planned for one or two classes to participate in the project, however Roger Taylor the art co-ordinator at Drumbeat School decided that all pupils should take part, such was their response to handling such a varied selection of materials. The children selected materials by colour, touch, and by handling each different fabric. As well as using the resources donated by members of the British Hat Guild the students incorporated wallpaper, corks, cable ties, tissue paper, newspapers and paper plates to create their designs, taking recycling to a new level. 

The students were given free reign to create any type of hat or headpiece they wanted and it was inspiring to watch them become totally engaged with the creative process and to see the incredible hats they produced. They worked with their selected materials to create 3 dimensional headpieces that appeal not only visually but are also immensely tactile. 

At the end of the school year, the school held a fashion show, in which pupils and members of staff modelled these wonderfully inspirational headpieces to the delight of parents and friends.