AN ICONIC piece of Asian culture was the inspiration of a project by Basingstoke schoolchildren.

Around 70 pupils from Years 3 and 4 at Chiltern Primary School worked with an internationally-renowned poet and a ceramicist to respond to an exhibition titled Made in China: an imperial Ming vase.

Their project, named Made in Basingstoke, was part of the Hampshire Cultural Trust’s (HCT) community engagement and learning programme which aims to explore new ways to work with local schools and ensure museums and art centres are accessible for everyone.

Pupils worked with touring poet Inua Ellams and ceramicist Lucy Burley inspired by the exhibition at the Willis Museum.

Their work included a miniature Ming vase, crafted with the expert help of Lucy, and creative poetry written with Inua.

Pupil Erin said: “I really enjoyed going to the exhibition because it was really exciting seeing all the different artefacts and writing stories about them.”

Jess added: “Inua inspired me and taught me lots. I like the team games we did outside and writing my poem.”

Janet Owen, chief executive officer at HCT said: “We are thrilled by the children’s responses to this beautiful piece and are very proud to share the treasures we have here in Hampshire with our next generation of budding ceramicists and poets.”

The touring exhibition is a celebration of Chinese collections across the UK.