STUDENTS at a Fairford school who approached a local sculptor to ask about designing a new piece of art for the grounds, have now revealed the finished piece.

Thea Oram and Marcus Bull of Farmor's School first met up with Stroud artist Ann-Margreth Bohl in March last year to talk about creating a stone carving combining glass.

"I went away after the initial meeting inspired by the student ambassadors Marcus and Thea, their vision and especially their proactive attitude towards the project," said Ann-Margreth.

The two pupils, who have since left Farmor's to pursue further studying and careers, raised money for the sculpture through the Rag Bag clothes collection and also a sponsored walk. Ann-Margreth often popped into the school to meet them, and the school council, to discuss ideas.

She then started coming up with ideas for the sculpture, Materialize, which is now situated outside the school's new learning resource centre.

"The sculpture combines the permanence of Italian marble and the ephemeral nature of light, reflected through glass," said Ann-Margreth. "I planned to include aspects of sculpture that lead away from the object itself, make something of the light, shadow and the space surrounding this permanent outdoor sculpture."

She purchased a piece of Carrara marble and then glass sculptor Fiaz Elson cast a piece of glass for her.

"I wanted the sculpture to change every day in its location and perhaps draw attention not just to the piece itself but to be reminded of some things that surround us all the time," she added. "As for the carving itself I had in mind rising forms that balance on top of each other, representing the different school houses, reflecting times spend together.

"My work is intuitive, directly carved into the stone representing how I experience aspects of life. I want my carvings to leave a feeling of intrigue and question rather than having a direct recognisable aspect."

The artist has suggested to students that they walk by the artwork every so often and spend a moment thinking about what it means.

She added: "My wish is for Materialize to be around students for many years now, as a landmark, a memory for some when their school days have long gone."