Producing a printed artwork installation for schools is always a rewarding experience, but this particular project stands out as one of the most enjoyable and meaningful installations Project Print Management has delivered. Installed at Jubilee Hackney School in London, this vibrant wall graphic transforms an everyday playground into a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and colour.
What makes this printed artwork installation so special is not just the scale or the technical execution, but the fact that every visual element began as a piece of children’s artwork. Each drawing, painting, and sketch was created by a pupil at the school, making the final installation a shared story told through many small voices.
Why Printed Artwork Installations Work So Well in Schools
Schools are busy, energetic environments where visual stimulation plays an important role in learning and emotional development. A well-designed printed artwork installation can:
- Brighten outdoor and indoor spaces
- Encourage pride and ownership among pupils
- Celebrate creativity and individuality
- Create a welcoming atmosphere for parents and visitors
- Provide long-lasting visual impact with minimal maintenance
In playgrounds especially, printed artwork installations help turn functional spaces into inspiring environments where children feel valued and represented.
A Collaborative Artwork with a Story in Every Element
Children’s artwork has a unique charm. Individually, these drawings are treasured by parents and teachers, but they are rarely seen beyond classroom walls or fridge doors. When brought together through a collaborative design process, however, they become something far greater than the sum of their parts.
For this printed artwork installation, Project Print Management was provided with 52 individual drawings and paintings, each created using traditional materials such as pen, pencil, felt-tip, paint, and crayon. Every piece carried its own story, imagination, and personality.
When combined into a single large-scale installation, the result was a vibrant mosaic of ideas that feels alive with energy and movement. From a distance, the artwork reads as one bold, colourful statement. Up close, viewers can explore each individual contribution and appreciate the uniqueness of every child’s work.
Combining Traditional Creativity with Digital Design
One of the most exciting aspects of this printed artwork installation was how it blended traditional and modern creative techniques. The original artwork was created entirely by hand, using paper and physical materials, while the final outcome relied on advanced digital processes.
Project Print Management’s role was to bridge that gap between analogue creativity and digital production.
Digitising the Children’s Artwork for Printed artwork installation
Normally, individual artworks would be digitised using a high-resolution scanner. However, with 52 pieces to process and a limited budget, a more flexible approach was required.
Instead, the artwork was photographed using a Sony RX100 III digital camera, chosen for its excellent image quality and colour accuracy. Each piece was photographed at high resolution and saved as a JPEG file, ensuring sufficient detail for large-format printing.
This approach allowed the project to move forward efficiently while maintaining the quality required for a professional printed artwork installation.
Design Collaboration with the School
Once digitised, the image files were passed to Chris, the school’s CAD design teacher, who played a vital role in bringing the artwork together. Using computer-aided design software such as Adobe Photoshop, the individual drawings were carefully arranged, scaled, and blended into one cohesive composition.
One of the key challenges was managing file size. At full resolution, the artwork needed to be printed at an overall size of 2.44 metres high by 4.88 metres wide, which requires extremely large files. The artwork had to be optimised so the computer could handle the processing while still retaining the crisp detail and colour fidelity needed for high-quality output.
The result was a beautifully balanced design that preserved the character of each child’s contribution while creating a unified visual statement.
Printing the Artwork for Long-Term Durability
Because the printed artwork installation was intended for an outdoor school environment, durability was a critical consideration. Playgrounds are high-traffic areas, and any installation needs to withstand:
- Weather exposure
- Accidental impacts
- General wear and tear
- Occasional graffiti
To meet these requirements, the artwork was digitally printed at high resolution onto a self-adhesive vinyl, ensuring vibrant colour reproduction and fine detail. The vinyl was then laminated with an anti-graffiti film, providing an additional layer of protection.
This laminate allows unwanted marks to be cleaned off easily without damaging the artwork underneath, significantly extending the lifespan of the installation.
Mounting on Aluminium Composite Panels
For structural stability and a premium finish, the printed vinyl artwork was mounted onto 3mm aluminium composite panels, also known as ACM or Dibond. This material is ideal for printed artwork installations because it is:
- Lightweight
- Rigid and flat
- Weather-resistant
- Suitable for long-term outdoor use
Using aluminium composite panels also ensures the artwork remains perfectly flat over time, with no warping or distortion.
Installing the Printed Artwork on a Brick Wall
Installing a printed artwork installation onto a brick wall requires careful planning to ensure alignment, safety, and visual accuracy. Brick surfaces are rarely perfectly flat, so a treated timber sub-frame was installed first. This created a level surface onto which the aluminium composite panels could be fixed.
To speed up the installation process and minimise disruption to the school, concrete screws were used. This method eliminates the need for traditional raw plugs and allows for fast, secure fixing.
The panels were carefully aligned so that the artwork flowed seamlessly across the entire surface, giving the impression of a single, continuous image rather than multiple individual boards.
The Impact on the School Community with Printed artwork installation
The completed printed artwork installation has had a powerful impact on the school environment. The playground wall is no longer just a boundary—it has become a talking point, a learning tool, and a source of pride.
For pupils, seeing their own artwork displayed at such a large scale is incredibly empowering. It reinforces the idea that creativity matters and that their contributions are valued. For parents and visitors, the installation offers an immediate sense of the school’s inclusive, creative ethos.
Why Printed Artwork Installation Are a Smart Choice for Schools
Printed artwork installations offer schools a cost-effective way to enhance their environment while involving pupils directly in the creative process. Compared to murals or bespoke artworks painted on site, printed installations provide:
- Consistent, high-quality results
- Faster installation times
- Easier maintenance
- Long-term durability
- Flexibility in design
They also allow schools to refresh or replace artwork in the future without major structural work.
Project Print Management’s Approach to Educational Projects
At Project Print Management, we understand that school projects are about more than just printing and installation. They are about collaboration, storytelling, and creating something meaningful for the community.
Our experience with printed artwork installations allows us to guide schools through every stage of the process—from digitising artwork and managing files, to material selection, printing, and installation.
This printed artwork installation at Jubilee Hackney School is a perfect example of how creativity, technology, and collaboration can come together to transform an everyday space into something special.
By combining children’s hand-drawn artwork with professional digital printing and durable materials, Project Print Management delivered an installation that is not only visually striking but also deeply personal and long-lasting.
For schools looking to celebrate creativity, involve pupils, and enhance their environment, a printed artwork installation offers an inspiring and practical solution.
For more information about printed artwork installations for schools or community spaces, please contact Project Print Management to discuss your project.
