In 2022, River of Hope forms a central part of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The Queen has always shown a great love and respect for the natural environment. Through this programme young people from around the world have been encouraged to think about the importance of safeguarding the future of their own natural environment.

Schools worked with their teachers or with professional art practitioners, led by Shona Watt, and received packs which promoted the use art to teach environmental themes. The young people created imaginative pieces of artwork, using art and design skills and utilising either natural or recycled materials, while thinking about their hopes and aspirations for the next 70 years.

The final designs have a scalloped edging to reference a postage stamp and each contains a silhouette of an inspirational person; be it a local hero, an environmental activist or a member of their school community. Chosen people include David Attenborough, Marcus Rashford and Charlie the dinner lady.

Two hundred of the artworks created have been selected to be printed onto silk flags and will be processed as part of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant on the 5 June 2022. In addition, you can view the 200 wonderful designs from around the world here @w1curates