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Make no bones about it, Kate’s a model student

16/ 7/2008

AN ART student’s ultra-realistic model skeleton is causing a sensation at a college.

When Kate Arthur pushed her latest work through the corridors, she was lucky not to trigger a murder investigation.

Kate, 18, of Newton, who goes to Cheadle and Marple Sixth Form College, said: "Now it’s finished I think it’s my best achievement so far.

"People look at it and they think it’s real. They think I have just painted a skeleton, but really it’s not. I made every individual bone and then had to fix it on the board."

Kate, who is studying for an A level in applied art, looked closely at anatomy books and journals to make sure each bone and joint was just right.

"I did some sketches and then designed it on a computer," said Kate, who is also studying maths and chemistry. I had to research it in medical journals because I am not a biologist. And I had to look at pictures from lots of different angles."

Kate says her decision to make the 5ft 9in model from clay reflects her fascination with Tim Burton films, including Corpse Bride and The Nightmare Before Christmas. But she says she finally settled on the skeleton after a visit to the controversial Body Worlds exhibition at the Museum of Science and Industry, in Manchester.

After weeks of sketching and planning she completed the incredible model in just 11 days.

Kate said: "I generally do have a freaky kind of style to my work.  My family and friends joke that I am not right and need help! But I’m probably the most happy, jolly person you will ever meet — so I don’t know where it comes from."

Tutor Nick Sutton said: "Kate is a very talented individual who could really go places."