Students in the UK Create Their Own James Jarvis In-Crowd Toys

Judgemeadow students x James Jarvis In Crowd

What’s this then? It looks like a new collection of James JarvisIn-Crowd toys, but it can’t be. After all, Jarvis recently announced the end of his Amos Toys line. Take a closer look. Up top: The Pop Band.

photo by tamara988
photo by tamara988

Compare The Pop Band to… Zombies, Forever Sensible Motorcycle Club, Ages of Metal, Punk is Not Dead, House of Horror, The Old Guard, Young Ruffians, ICWF, Major Moulty’s Amazing Magical Plastic Band…

Judgemeadow students x James Jarvis In Crowd

Jarvis once wrote of the In-Crowd toys, “Who knows if we will ever make any more?” Alas, The Pop Band, The Geeks and The Royals are merely inspired by Jarvis. These new stylized character toys are actually the work of students at Judgemeadow Community College, outside of Leicester in the UK. The figures were part of Look And Learn, the first art exhibition showcasing the work of Year 7-10 Judgemeadow students.

Judgemeadow students x James Jarvis In Crowd

Judgemeadow’s art department teamed up with Pedestrian Arts Gallery, an independent charity that provides opportunities in the arts for young people in Leicester.

Year 7 pupils produced paintings based on well known Leicester buildings. Those from Year 8 created a fantasy world inspired by contemporary illustrator James Jarvis, while Year 9 students constructed alien beings with reference to Nigerian born artist, Yinka Shonibare. The students in Year 10 took inspiration from Grayson Perry.

These are awesome!

Judgemeadow students x James Jarvis In Crowd

Everyone should have access to the arts. Here’s Adam, one of the Year 8 students who interpreted James Jarvis’ In-Crowd toys:

“Being in the exhibition was a really great experience for me as I really like art, and I got a chance to see other students’ work at the Private View. I was very happy with my James Jarvis-inspired figures, as were my parents. I hope I get another chance again like this to exhibit my work as I feel as though it will help to develop my art work.”

I hope so, too.