Bedford School Old Girl creates portrait of outgoing headmistress

Oil painting will join collection of former heads at the school
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A portrait of the outgoing Bedford Girls’ School headmistress has been been created by one of the school's alumna.

The oil painting of Jo MacKenzie, who has been at the school for 10 years, was created by artist and alumna, Mihaila Kuveljic, who graduated with a Fine Art degree from Oxford Brookes University.

Mihaila, who left BGS in 2016, said: “When considering the composition of the painting, I firstly needed to see what ideas and concepts Miss MacKenzie wished to be portrayed within the piece. Her love of people, the school and gardening were all aspects which stood out to me the most.

Mihaila Kuveljic and Jo MacKenzieMihaila Kuveljic and Jo MacKenzie
Mihaila Kuveljic and Jo MacKenzie

“When considering the background of the painting, I decided to create a wash of greens with a slight blue tint to reflect on Miss MacKenzie's love of scents within a garden. The green contrasted nicely against the baby pink of her jacket, as well as reflecting the school colours.”

Miss MacKenzie said: “Lots of staff have seen the portrait and have said that Mihaila has captured my spirit in the eyes, and that I think is the hardest thing to do.

"The fact that Mihaila has done it so well is a credit to her incredible talent. It is so important to me that an alumna painted this portrait. The creative arts is such an important part of this school, and it’s really important for me that students see what happens as you pursue them as a career.

"I thank Mihaila from the bottom of my heart and am so proud she is an Old Girl of this school.”

The piece of art, which was inspired by photography, will join the collection of portraits of other former headmistresses from the heritage schools in the Senior School corridor.