Croydon pupils inspired by visit from illustrator

Pupils at Chestnut Park Primary in Croydon were thrilled when they received a surprise visit from their class namesake.

The children of Dankwah Class were joined by illustrator and Merky Books contributor Denzell Dankwah, who led an inspiring and interactive workshop at the school, which is part of GLF Schools multi-academy trust.

“The pupils were thrilled to spend the afternoon learning about comic art directly from Denzell,” said Class Teacher and English Lead Michael Longdon.

“Denzell led an engaging and hands-on comic illustration workshop, guiding pupils through the process of creating their own characters and comic strips. He began with the fundamentals of character design, showing how simple shapes and expressive features could be used to develop personality and emotions.

“Pupils then explored storyboard techniques used in professional comic art, including panel composition, action lines, and visual pacing.

“Denzell invited pupils to help him transform their characters into mini comic stories, encouraging them to be spontaneous, bold, and imaginative with their ideas.”

“There was a palpable sense of wonder as the children listened, learned, and created,” continued Mr Longdon. “The atmosphere was not only electric but also collaborative and joyful. Laughter rang out as characters came to life on the whiteboard, and gasps of delight followed each sketch Denzell revealed.

“There was a shared sense among the pupils that they were part of something truly special, learning from a real artist who had once been a student just like them.”

Following the workshop, Mr Dankwah signed posters for the children, and also donated several books to the library at Chestnut Park.

“The poster-signing session brought big smiles, with each child thrilled to receive a signed print – a keepsake from a day they won’t soon forget,” said Mr Longdon.

“In addition to leading the workshop, Denzell generously donated five, high-quality books to the school – a curated collection of comic and concept art books designed to inspire young minds. These will be available in the school library and used across classrooms to support visual literacy, creativity, and reading for pleasure.”

Heavily influenced by comic books and graphic novels, Mr Dankwah’s first book, Superheroes: Inspiring Stories of Secret Strength, was published by Penguin Random House imprint Merky Books in September 2021.

“Denzell’s visit left a lasting impression on both staff and students,” added Mr Longdon. “Since the visit, pupils have shown a renewed excitement for drawing, storytelling, and reading.

“Perhaps even more significantly, Denzell’s story – as a successful illustrator who grew up locally – helped pupils to see the creative arts not just as a hobby, but as a possible future. He gave them permission to dream big, to express themselves, and to believe that their ideas matter.

“Denzell Dankwah’s visit to Chestnut Park Primary School was far more than a creative workshop – it was an afternoon of empowerment, joy, and inspiration.

“It brought learning to life, fostered self-belief, and sparked a passion for the arts that will no doubt grow for years to come.”