‘I’m a part of South London’s history’: School honours former student after whirlwind arts success
A primary school has unveiled a newly-named classroom in honour of a former student who is rising up the ranks of the arts world.
St James’ CofE Primary School in Alexis Street, Bermondsey, will today inaugurate a newly-named Year 6 class, ‘Leopold,’ in honour of self-taught artist Xavier Laurent Leopold.
The 32-year-old’s name will join the ranks of artists such as Van Gogh, Picasso and Matisse in the school’s new initiative to name classes after renowned artists.
Mr Leopold, who grew up on the Lawsons Estate in Bermondsey, and now lives in West Dulwich, said: “I cried when I first found out, it feels so surreal.
“It tells me that I’m a part South London’s history and there are people who are counting on me to continue.”
From September onwards, all Year 6 students will learn about Mr Leopold’s life, art and dedication to children’s mental wellness.
Deputy headteacher, Peter Wood, said: “Having Xavier here will help students see that art isn’t just about history but also about the present and future, lived by people they can meet and learn from.”
Mr Leopold, a former finance trader, first took up art as a form of therapy during lockdown in 2020.
Throughout his early life Mr Leopold grappled with depression after his best friend was shot dead in 2010.
Rio McFarlane was only 18 when he was caught in the crossfire between two rival gangs on his way back from football in Peckham.
Mr Leopold said: “I never dealt with it.
“My therapist said my doodles were good but I wasn’t thinking about it as art, I wanted to try and transcend my thoughts into something tangible because it helped me.”
Since he created his first canvas in March 2020, Mr Leopold has showcased his work in two London solo shows and recently been featured alongside Jean-Michel Basquiat for an exhibition in Brooklyn, New York City.
He said: “If you told me what my life would be like four years ago I wouldn’t believe you.
“The passing of my best friend really put a battery on my back to do as much as I can in a positive way – it motivates me and his legacy lives on even though his life was cut short.”
Through his journey, Mr Leopold has become an advocate for mental health and is a Champion of the children’s mental health charity, Place2Be.
His book, Art For The Heart, is distributed globally and can be found on the shelves Of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and Tate Modern. It is also part of the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton.
The activity journal promotes mental wellbeing through creative expression for children aged between seven and 12.
He said: “Making art for me feels like alchemy. It’s the best sort of therapy.
“I’ve done some workshops in schools teaching about mental health and wellbeing, through that I’ve seen how much kids interact with art.
“They’re part of a generation where there is so much turmoil and technology warping their minds and they need an outlet.”
Mr Leopold was among a select few individuals across the country to be awarded the Sir Frank Bowling Scholarship to study a Master’s in Sculpture at the Royal College of Art, starting this month.
He said: “I want my art to be more public and accessible.
“Creating art is great and everything that has come with it, but if I can’t inspire the next generation this is out of vain.”
Michael Oliver, headteacher at St James’ C of E Primary, said: “We hope Xavier’s story will motivate our students to believe in their aspirations and work hard to achieve them.”
Pictured top: Xavier Laurent Leopold attends St James’ CofE Primary School to inaugurate the new Leopold class/ outfit provided by Seventh (Picture: Jovan Stennett)