Following the success of the workshops undertaken in December of last Year , Simmons House Classroom had the opportunity to attend a talk by one of the sitters featured in the 'Black is the new Black' display currently on at the national Portrait Gallery.
Black is the new black features a series of Portraits by artist Simon Frederick which celebrates the achievements of Black British icons today.
As before mentioned Maggie Aderin Pocock is a prominent Space Scientist and Space Educator who currently is featured on television show 'The Sky at night' , has participated in a number of BBC Documentaries and game shows , has been awarded a MBE , written a number of books and has researched and helped to design a number of reveloutionary space instruments in addition to many other career successes.
Maggie delivered a speech to students encouraging them to ' Dream Big' and to 'Reach for the Stars'; detailing her challenging journey from her humble beginnings to the successes she has achieved and maintained to date. Born in West London to Nigerian Parents attending over 13 schools and being diagnosed with dyslexia at an early age, never giving up on her dream and passions Maggie achieved four A-levels, a BSC in Physics from a top university and a PHD in Mechanical Engineering which in turn propelled her outstanding career which continues to grow to date.
Maggies successes caught the attention of photographer Simon Frederick who asked to photograph her for his collection of works and her portrait now hangs proudly in the National Gallery and is part of their permanent collection. Simon Is a self-taught artist, photographer, filmmaker and broadcaster who has worked on a number of big projects and has himself been profiled as one of 2018’s 100 ‘Most Influential Black Britons’ in the category of Media, Publishing and Entertainment.
Students had the opportunity to speak to Maggie in person and to ask her questions both of a scientific nature and of her personal journey.
Overall the experience was reported to be interesting, enjoyable and memorable. We are truly thankful that we had the opportunity to be a part of it.
