A Bury St Edmunds school named after a famous Suffolk artist has been donated a special work of art on the 120th anniversary of her birth.
A dozen relatives of Sybil Andrews paid a special visit to an exhibition in her honour at Moyse’s Hall Museum in the town last week.
The relatives then visited Sybil Andrews Academy in Skyliner Way to donate a print belonging to the famous artist, which is now proudly sitting in the school library.
Paul Rayner, chair of governors at the school, said: “We are so grateful and humbled that the family have chosen to support Sybil Andrews Academy in this amazing way.
“We chose to name the school after Sybil Andrews as she was incredibly talented and a real inspiration to our students.
“This print, part of a permanent display about Sybil Andrews in the school library, will serve as a constant reminder and tribute to her achievements.”
Andrew Gough, first cousin, twice removed of Sybil Andrews, said he was delighted that the family could support the school with the donation of the print entitled ‘Racing’.
He said: “It has been lovely seeing the exhibition and then visiting the school and donating the print on what would have been her birthday.”
Shirley Crispin, third cousin, once removed, who lives in Bury, said: “I think we all feel very proud that a school has the name of Sybil Andrews attached to it and now the wonderful exhibition.
“I think more and more people now know about her – and this will only help future generations.”
The celebrations were part of an ongoing partnership between the school and Moyse’s Hall Museum whose Sybil Andrews exhibition runs until Sunday, May 20.
Joanna Rayner, cabinet member for leisure and culture at St Edmundsbury Borough Council, said: “It was a privilege to meet members of Sybil Andrews family and to welcome them, and students from the local school that honours her name, to our exhibition here at Moyse’s Hall Museum.
“Sybil Andrews is an important part of our heritage here in Bury St Edmunds - a heritage that we are proud to celebrate.
“We hope that many more people will come along and enjoy her work at our exhibition which is on until May 20.”
Suffolk County Councillor Trevor Beckwith has used his locality budget to fund coach trips so every single student at the school is able to visit the exhibition.
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