The artwork was crafted for St Christopher’s CE Primary School, near Red Lodge in Bury St Edmunds, by someone mysteriously known as the Anonymous Artist.

The artist contacted the school, which is part of the Diocese of Ely Multi-Academy Trust (DEMAT) telling secretary Elaine Simpson about their passion for books and then made a surprising offer.

Mrs Simpson said: “The artist said how they love books and the way they open a whole new world to children, but that statistics show only one in five personally own a book at home. 

“We chatted on the phone about our shared passion for stories and at the end of the call the artist asked if we would be interested in having a piece of work carried out as a gift by them on the strict understanding that they remain anonymous. I jumped at the offer as I knew it would be embraced by everyone in our school.”

To help create the work, which has been made to look like a bookshelf crammed with children’s stories, the Anonymous Artist requested a list of 49 books the school wanted the art to feature. 

Additional book titles were then chosen by the artist themselves to make a total of 97 books illustrated as part of the work. 

One has its own special title of ‘Painted with Love for St Christopher’s C of E Primary School’.

The artwork took two months to complete and the Anonymous Artist kept in touch with Mrs Simpson throughout, letting her know about the progress.

“During our conversations, the artist told me that they have also donated work to Great Heath Academy in Mildenhall, an academy in New Zealand and a hospital children’s ward,” she added.

The artwork was unveiled at a special celebration assembly where local PC Richard Smith, a Community Engagement Officer, from Mildenhall Police represented the Anonymous Artist.

Mrs Simpson said: “It was absolutely fantastic. As the reveal happened there was great excitement among the children and staff with lots of ‘oohs and ahs’ and applause echoing around the hall.

“It is an amazing work of art and each time it is revisited it reveals something new and exciting.”

Headteacher Caroline James said: “The school feels very honoured to have been chosen for this wonderful donation. Promoting a love of reading is so important, so to have this gift is really special. The added mystery of the Anonymous Artist makes it extra exciting for us all.”



The artwork features illustrations of books including The Tiger Who Came to Tea, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and Paddington Bear and will be hung in the school’s foyer for the whole school community to enjoy.