Huge congratulations to former pupil Shona Heath (AOS 1982-92) who has won one of the highest accolades in showbusiness; an Oscar for Best Production Design for her work on the film Poor Things, starring Emma Stone, Mark Ruffalo and William Dafoe. In an extra special turn of events for our region, Shona shares the Oscar with Co-designer, Herefordshire born James Price.

Poor Things was the second most nominated film at the Oscars, taking away four wins on the night, including Emma Stone winning the Best Actress Category.

Set and Film Production Designer Shona studied Art and Design, Textiles and Fashion and French here at School, and went on to The University of Cheltenham and Gloucester to further her studies in Art & Design followed by Fashion and Textiles at Brighton University. At the Alice Ottley School, she was also awarded the School Art prize.

Shona is also known for creating some of the most memorable and Fashion and Design photography, working with clients ranging from Dior to Prada and featured in global publications such as The New York Times and Vogue. 

Remembering her time at School and the impact of her studies on her future career, Shona tells us. “My two art teachers were always very encouraging of my more abstract, oversized and colourful work. I remember painting a huge painting and the scale was important to me. A larger scale has always suited me; broader strokes , less precise . Sets are huge!”

Speaking about her Oscar and working on Poor Things, she says. “It was something I never dreamt about winning. I am a big dreamer but more ideas than accolades. I also have never thought art or design can have a winner. This is still true of how I think about it. The attention has been overwhelming since the Oscar. I poured my creative soul into Poor Things , so I am sad to see the end of this cycle. My natural place is behind a camera , so the stage of the Oscar’s was truly frightening , but I survived!!"

Some final words of wisdom to any current pupils who are considering careers in art, fashion and design, Shona says, “If you have an idea, that you have an urge to do, don’t let anything stop you. You may have restraints or boundaries and you may have to compromise. Those restraints are helpful to push against and reconfirm what you feel you need to do; ideas should be materialised in whatever form with momentum. If you feel your passion, others will too.”

All our congratulations to Shona. We are incredibly proud and inspired here at School by all her work and achievements.