People of Science is a collaborative school-wide artwork developed in partnership with the Bath Preservation Trust, which runs the Herschel Museum of Astronomy, St Andrew’s Primary School, with artists Matthew Leece and Abigail Tinnion.

Following a visit to the museum, the project invited children and artists to reimagine a historic artwork from the collection titled Men of Science. Together, we created a contemporary response—People of Science—celebrating a far broader and more inclusive picture of science, representing scientists from across different cultures, genders, backgrounds and disciplines.

Central to the making of the work was the cyanotype process, one of the earliest photographic techniques, invented by Sir John Herschel. Using this historically resonant method allowed the children to connect directly with the scientific and photographic innovations associated with the Herschel family, while also learning through hands-on experimentation.

Each class selected scientists they felt should be represented. Children then worked collaboratively, taking on roles as performers, photographers and directors—choosing costumes, poses and props linked to their chosen scientists. Digital photographs were transformed into acetate negatives, alongside secondary images of objects and symbols associated with each figure. These were carefully collaged into a large-scale cyanotype triptych, which was later drawn back into using paint pens and acrylic paint.

The project involved the entire school, from Reception through to Year 6, and resulted in a permanent artwork now installed at the school entrance—positioned as a welcoming statement about curiosity, diversity and who science is for.