The Selfish Giant (Oscar Wilde)
A screen-free printmaking journey inspired by Oscar Wilde’s timeless story
What happens when a classic story is explored not only through words, but through making?
Inspired by Oscar Wilde’s much-loved fairy tale The Selfish Giant, this thoughtful printmaking project invites children into a rich world of storytelling, nature, emotion and visual creativity. Across a series of calm, carefully guided sessions, children listen to a shortened version of the story, reflect on its themes and transform their ideas into layered, hand-crafted prints.
Working entirely away from screens, children are encouraged to slow down, look carefully and respond creatively to themes such as change, kindness, loss, renewal and the beauty of the seasons. Through drawing, printing, painting and thoughtful design choices, they create artworks that feel both playful and quietly sophisticated.
This is a project where literature, art and reflection come together in a way that feels imaginative, meaningful and deeply rewarding.
9 to 12 years old
90 min. 4 sessions
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Printmaking
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British Nature & the Seasons
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Storytelling
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Loss & Renewal
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Victorian History and Style
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Printmaking - British Nature & the Seasons - Storytelling - Loss & Renewal - Victorian History and Style -
Art, story and reflection woven together
The Selfish Giant offers children a rare kind of creative experience: one rooted in story, atmosphere and emotional depth.
Using Oscar Wilde’s fairy tale as a starting point, children explore how a story can inspire visual imagery, feeling and meaning. They reflect on characters, mood, setting, nature and transformation, then translate those ideas into their own prints through a calm, supportive and highly tactile process.
Because printmaking naturally involves repetition and variation, children are also free to experiment. They learn that an artwork can evolve through multiple versions and that creativity often grows through trying, adjusting and discovering new possibilities.
A Story - Led Printmaking Project
The project gently introduces children to British nature, Victorian visual culture and the joy of making multiple versions, freeing them to experiment, take risks and discover that creativity doesn’t need to be perfect to be powerful.
Printmaking asks for patience, care and attention. The process is physical, layered and satisfying, allowing children to stay grounded in real materials and real decision-making. There is also something joyful about making multiple prints, each one slightly different, each one an opportunity to learn and refine.
9 to 12 years
90 minutes per session
3-4
Up to 3 children
In-person, fully screen-free
Age Group:
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WHAT CHILDREN WILL EXPLORE & LEARN
The Selfish Giant offers a particularly rich combination of literature, art and emotional learning.
Families may value that it introduces children to a classic story in a way that feels alive, creative and memorable. Rather than simply hearing the tale, children engage with it deeply, reflecting on its themes, interpreting its atmosphere and transforming it into artwork of their own.
The small group size also allows for thoughtful support and individual attention, helping children feel secure, encouraged and capable. For parents seeking an activity that is calm, meaningful and culturally enriching, this project offers something truly distinctive.
It is especially well suited to children who enjoy stories, art, nature, careful making and projects with depth and atmosphere.
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Listening to and responding emotionally to a poignant literary story.
Exploring themes of loneliness, loss, generosity and shared joy in an age-appropriate way.
Developing empathy and emotional awareness through discussion and making.
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Designing and carving simple block prints using polystyrene.
Learning safe, controlled mark-making and pressure techniques.
Using rollers, trays and ink to create repeated printed images.
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Selecting and simplifying images so they work effectively as prints.
Learning how scale, placement and diagonal angles can create dynamic compositions.
Combining printed motifs with historic photographic imagery.
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Mixing pastel spring colours using acrylic paint.
Working with fine brushes and learning when “less is more”.
Developing confidence by painting multiple prints rather than a single ‘perfect’ piece.
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Exploring British flowers, birds and seasonal change.
Learning about Victorian life, fashion and decorative styles.
Discovering the work of William Morris and his stylised use of flora and fauna.
PROJECT ESSENTIALS
Materials Provided
All materials are supplied, including:
- Drawing paper and reference visuals.
- Polystyrene printing blocks and tools.
- White printing ink and black paper.
- Rollers and ink trays.
- Acrylic paints and fine brushes.
- Decorative elements such as pearlescent glitter.
- Drying space for finished prints.
Safety & Accessibility
Activities are carefully adapted for children with fine motor or physical difficulties.
Image choices and techniques are adjusted to ensure success at every level.
Work surfaces and equipment can be repositioned for accessibility.
Materials are checked with parents in advance for sensitivities or allergies.
Pricing
1 child: £80 per session.
2 children: £120 per session.
3 children: £180 per session.
Custom pricing available for schools or whole-class projects.
WHY PARENTS LOVE IT
A screen-free blend of literature, art and emotional learning.
Small group teaching with individual attention.
Encourages Empathy, focus and thoughtful expression.
INTRODUCES CHILDREN TO CLASSIC LITERATURE AND BRITISH CULTURAL HISTORY.
A CALM, MEANINGFUL ALTERNATIVE TO FAST-PACED ACTIVITIES.
Children leave with multiple artworks and a deeper sense of confidence.
Get started today
About the Project Leader
Lucy
Qualified Primary School Teacher (PGCE) with over 30 years of classroom experience.
Extensive Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in art education with leading institutions including:
Bow Arts Trust
Tate Modern
The Line
The Visual Arts Foundation
London Gifted & Talented
Designed and delivered whole-school CPD on sculpture, supporting and training class teachers.
Since 2003, has created and led bespoke art workshops for children aged 6–11, thoughtfully tailored to curriculum and enrichment themes including: History and cultural studies, Science and nature, Multi-faith and global stories, PSHE, Maths through creative exploration.
Strong background in fashion, sewing, and upholstery, bringing practical, tactile skills into her sessions.
Led large-scale intergenerational costume-making workshops involving children, parents, and grandparents, with themes such as: Insects, The Lion King, African animals, Arabian Nights, Ancient Egypt.