Ice sculptor John Bolton visits Town Close School in Norwich

Town Close School, an independent preparatory school in NR2, teamed up with sculptor John Bolton as part of a topic studying water.

The intricate frozen fish artwork even saw John use a chainsaw, much to the excitement of the youngsters from nursery age up to year two.

The older children even got some hands-on experience chiselling ice themselves with John, from West Sussex-based Ice Agency which has been creating ice sculptures for 20 years.

Pupils at Town Close School in Norwich were fascinated by a visit from ice sculptor John Bolton of Ice Agency (Image: Town Close School)Pupils at Town Close School in Norwich were fascinated by a visit from ice sculptor John Bolton of Ice Agency (Image: Town Close School)

Anna Toulson, marketing and admissions assistant for the school, said: “The children absolutely loved it, they were so engaged and gripped considering it was actually very cold outside.

"There was plenty of fun, laughter and gasps! 

READ MORE: Dessert bar serving crêpes and conveyor belt of treats opens in city food hall

“It was a way of bringing their topic work into something fun and imaginative.

"Also, it was fascinating in terms of showing them another career option.”

Pupils at Town Close School in Norwich were fascinated by a visit from ice sculptor John Bolton of Ice Agency (Image: Town Close School)Pupils at Town Close School in Norwich were fascinated by a visit from ice sculptor John Bolton of Ice Agency 17654600 (Image: Town Close School)

John's specialist work has taken him as far afield as Qatar, Iceland, Germany and Africa and he loved seeing the excitement of the Norwich pupils during his interactive lessons.

READ MORE: Vintage tractors trundle around Norwich Cathedral to celebrate Plough Sunday

He said: “This work is very rewarding. When you see the children’s faces, and get the ‘wows’ as they do the hands-on chiselling, that’s something that when I was at school you’d never experience.”

Pupils at Town Close School in Norwich were fascinated by a visit from ice sculptor John Bolton of Ice Agency (Image: Town Close School)

John is also passionate about providing hands-on learning for children with anxiety, autism and other learning challenges.

GALLERY: Folk of the Fine City fight the January blues

He added: “The key is, you have to engage with the children and spark their interest.”

Pupils at Town Close School in Norwich were fascinated by a visit from ice sculptor John Bolton of Ice Agency (Image: Town Close School)Pupils at Town Close School in Norwich were fascinated by a visit from ice sculptor John Bolton of Ice Agency (Image: Town Close School)

After watching John create his fish sculpture, the children were able to enjoy some free play at ice stations positioned around their outdoor classroom.

With temperatures set to pick up at the weekend, all at Town Close are hoping the sculpture will at least avoid melting for a couple of days.