The 1934 Art Deco building that has sadly recently been demolished was that of the former Skerton Community High School in Lancaster.
Opened in 1934, the architecture was very typical of the era, with an art deco facade that was set back to a grand entrance of a stunning blossom tree lined driveway.
The building and the cherry blossom trees were a much loved part of Lancaster’s locale. Past pupils and locals are saddened by the decision to bulldoze the entire area in the lush grounds of the former school, which closed its doors for the last time in 2014. Plans are in order to build an affordable housing scheme and regenerate the whole Mainway area of Lancaster.
Local Lancaster based artist Lidia Ranns has finally released her depiction of the school as part of her Bygone Series.
“Skerton School was one of my first choices to do as an art deco building in the Lancaster and Morecambe area. I made a start, but sadly it was put on the back burner for a while due to other work commitments and commissions I needed to complete. Given the momentum that had built up over the plans to demolish the building, I knew I had to immortalise this beautiful building and school entrance. It wasn’t my old school, but I always wished it was especially because of the entrance with the cherry blossom lined driveway and my love for anything Art Deco!
I kept being prompted by an old school friend to get this piece finished! Her partner did attend the school with fond memories and as they have a few of my limited edition prints already, Skerton High School would compliment their collection nicely!”
Lidia, who was a finalist in Lancashire Artist of the Year 2023, works in many styles and mediums and her creative versatility stems back to her background in graphic design and illustration. During her time studying design, her interest in the commercial artists’ style of the early 20th century ignited an idea to recreate local buildings and scenes in a bygone era. She now has a catalogue of over 120 prints from her original illustrations in the Bygone Series with a list of ideas for lots more!
The print has already gained much interest, and a number are still available direct from Lidia or her online gallery store at www.lidiaranns.art.
