TWO murals created when Ryedale School was first opened nearly 60 years ago have been repositioned to celebrate the artistic talents of students both past and present.

However, the move has caused controversy with claims from a former teacher that it is an ‘act of cultural vandalism’.

Head teacher Richard Crane said the murals were created by Claude Harrison when the school was built in 1953 and were a vital part of the history of the school.

“We have repositioned them in the main hall to raise their profile and ensure that they are properly on view for all,” he said.

“One of the murals has been obscured behind the reception for a number of years and there was no written information about the pieces or the artist as is standard practice with any work of art that has historical significance.”

Mr Crane added that as such people often walked past them and ignored them. “We have placed both of the murals in a prominent position in the main hall, with a proper explanation alongside them, so they can be viewed by all and utilised as a teaching resource as appropriate,”

he said.

“They are surrounded by examples of current students’ artwork, which gives a fantastic juxtaposition of the schools’ historical traditions and celebrates current achievement and creativity.

“Many people — students, staff, governors and visitors have commented that this is a really positive thing to do which has put the murals back at the heart of the school.”

But former head of history, Mac Brackstone said the murals were part of the school’s heritage and should not be tampered with. “They are a piece of art and respect should be given to what the artist has created,” he said. “I feel they should have been enhanced where they were but this move has devalued them.” Mr Brackstone said a Facebook page — Ryedale School: Save our Mural — already had more than 150 followers.