Journal

A celebration of art and education with our Mayfair community

Published 11/02/2026

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On 2 February David Aaron co-hosted a community engagement event with the Westminster City Council where we welcomed a group of students from a local primary school to learn about artist Paul Vanstone’s public artwork recently unveiled in Berkeley Square.  

On a brisk morning in Mayfair, a group of year three and four students gathered around the Carrara Triceratops Skull sculpture to meet Paul Vanstone and hear him speak about how he made the sculpture and how he got his start as an artist. Paul shared inspiring messages with the students about his pursuit of a career as an artist starting as a child with his love for making things with his hands. 

 

Students with Paul Vanstone’s Carrara Triceratops Skull sculpture. Photo: Pauliina Roots 
 
There were many art lovers in attendance who enthusiastically asked questions of Paul about ‘why he chose to make the sculpture in marble instead of another material such as wood?’, and ‘how long he had been an artist for?’, all offering opportunities for Paul to expand on his practice and connect back to how young art enthusiasts can pursue creative opportunities through their schooling. 
 
Paul Vanstone speaking to students at the event. Photo: Pauliina Roots  Paul Vanstone speaking to students at the event. Photo: Pauliina Roots  

Westminster City Council supporting arts and education 

In attendance at the event were Westminster City Council (WCC) representatives Aicha Less, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Public Protection; her daughter Councillor Iman Less; and fellow Councillor Patrick Lilley. The Councillors spoke to the students about the WCC’s role in supporting education and access to public art in the Mayfair area, including the Carrara Triceratops Skull.  

The installation of the sculpture has been part‑funded through the Council’s Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL), which supports projects that enhance community spaces across Westminster. 

In a delightful coincidence Councillor Iman Less attended the same primary school as our guests, and both Iman and Aicha spoke to the students about their wonderful experiences being involved in the school. 

 
Councillor Iman Less speaks to students at the event. Photo: Pauliina Roots
Councillor Iman Less speaks to students at the event. Photo: Pauliina Roots 
 
Triceratops sculpture inspires art making  

Following Paul's talk, the students participated in an origami Triceratops making workshop in the gallery led by the David Aaron team, inspired by the Triceratops sculpture. The students enthusiastically worked together to make colourful origami artworks to take home as mementos of their visit.  

We are grateful to the Westminster City Council and the primary school for joining us at the gallery for this joyful celebration of art and education. 

 
Triceratops origami making activity. Photo: Pauliina Roots Triceratops origami making activity. Photo: Pauliina Roots

Triceratops origami making activity. Photo: Pauliina Roots Triceratops origami making activity. Photo: Pauliina Roots

Triceratops origami making activity. Photo: Pauliina Roots Triceratops origami making activity. Photo: Pauliina Roots

Triceratops origami making activity. Photo: Pauliina Roots    
Triceratops origami making activity. Photo: Pauliina Roots