Art experts fired up by Simeon's painting

The youngster, who is aged nine, has been named Sightsavers International Junior Painter of the Year by Professor Maurice Cockrill, Keeper of the Royal Academy of the Arts.

The Town Field Primary pupil brushed off the challenge of 9,000 other aspiring artists to achieve the accolade, sponsored by UK blindness charity Sightsavers International.

Simeon’s colourful painting of the view from a dragon’s den will now feature in an exhibition on London’s South Bank, which opens on October 10.

He chose to paint the view of dragons fighting over eggs from the perspective of the dragon’s den because he loves drawing imaginary creatures. Prof Cockrill said: “Such a wealth of truly imaginative art work from children is not only a huge pleasure but also a real inspiration.

“Simeon’s picture is a very articulate and precise painting of a very fantastic subject. Various dangerous looking hybrid creatures from pre-history are engaged in fierce combat, while infants are just emerging from their shells.

A very convincing composition with volcanic peaks and a colourful sky.”

Simeon, whose favourite subjects at school are art and gymnastics, will enjoy a day out in London with his art teacher, including a flight on the BA London Eye.

He will then attend an awards ceremony to receive his award from Prof Cockrill.

Town Field Primary School will also receive a visit from an experienced local artist who will give a teaching session for aspiring young painters.

The ‘My View: A Child’s Perspective’ exhibition, featuring Simeon’s painting alongside the other national and regional winners, will be open daily from 11am to 6pm from October 10 to 14 at Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf, Bargehouse Street, London, and entrance is free.