Barnet student's sculpture at Royal Academy
A 17-year-old's artwork celebrating Afro hair has been selected for a prestigious national exhibition.
Trust 50Craft 95Hype 15How this was reported ▾
Single source cites student and Royal Academy but lacks documents or multiple outlets, giving moderate corroboration.
How well corroborated and evidenced the reporting is. Higher is better.
Explains significance, includes student quote, clear facts, next steps, and cohesive writing.
Context, balance and separation of fact from comment. Higher is better.
Language is enthusiastic but not exaggerated; headline matches article content.
How far presentation runs ahead of substance. Lower is better.
1 source assessed · methodology
From the archive. This story was written up on 29 July 2026 from reporting first published on 20 July 2026, which is the date shown above. We took up the back catalogue of the local titles we read when this site launched, so the events are older than the page.
A sculpture by Barnet and Southgate College student Sachelle Davis has been selected for the Royal Academy of Arts' Young Artists' Summer Show. The artwork, titled 'Roots of Resilience', is a ceramic piece that celebrates the 'complex beauty' of Afro hair and examines themes of identity, heritage, and cultural narrative. The exhibition is a platform for emerging creative talent across the UK.
Artwork's Meaning and Creation
Sachelle Davis, who is 17 years old, created 'Roots of Resilience' while studying art and design at the college's High Barnet campus. The sculpture uses form and texture to highlight both personal identity and broader cultural stories, as reported by the Enfield Dispatch. Davis stated that the work reflects on challenges faced in seeking acceptance and serves as a celebration of resilience and pride.
Highgate Watercolour Group exhibition opens at Lauderdale House
Over 250 works by 21 artists will be on display, with a section dedicated to the Highgate Society's 60th anniversary.
Exhibition Details
The Royal Academy's Young Artists' Summer Show is an annual event showcasing the next generation of UK creative talent. Sachelle Davis's sculpture was chosen from over 25,000 national submissions. 'Roots of Resilience' is currently on free public display at the Royal Academy of Arts' Weston Studio, located in Burlington House, Piccadilly.
Jamaica Blue opens High Barnet café on 12 Nov 2026, creates 15 jobs
The Australian coffee chain will set up beside Barclays Bank on High Street, investing £300,000 in the new outlet.
Questions this report answers
+How did the student create the winning sculpture?
Sachelle Davis made 'Roots of Resilience' while studying art and design at Barnet and Southgate College's High Barnet campus. The ceramic piece uses form and texture to explore identity and cultural stories, reflecting her personal journey and broader themes.
+Where can people see the sculpture now?
'Roots of Resilience' is on free public display at the Royal Academy of Arts' Weston Studio in Burlington House, Piccadilly. The exhibition runs as part of the Young Artists' Summer Show and is open to all visitors.
+How many entries were there for the exhibition?
The Royal Academy received over 25,000 submissions for the Young Artists' Summer Show. Sachelle Davis's sculpture was selected from this large pool of entries, highlighting the high standard of talent.
Barnet Press News Desk
This article was written at the Barnet Press news desk from the reporting of the outlets listed below it. Drafting is done by a language model under human editorial supervision — there is no reporter behind this byline, and we would rather say so than invent one.
How stories are produced and scoredWho runs Barnet PressCorrections
Barnet conditions
Loading live conditions…
More Coverage in Culture & Arts
Highgate Watercolour Group exhibition opens at Lauderdale House
Jamaica Blue opens High Barnet café on 12 Nov 2026, creates 15 jobs
Northern line suspended between Camden Town and East Finchley, High Barnet commuters face severe delays
