A new mural inspired by the Radcliffe Observatory has been unveiled at Cheney School in Headington, Oxford.
Artist Luke McDonnell produced the artwork as part of a broader educational initiative directed by the Rumble Museum, which is based at the school.
Funding for the mural came from the Royal Society’s Places of Science scheme, which backs efforts linking communities with scientific heritage.
Dr Lorna Robinson, the Rumble Museum’s director, said McDonnell’s design captured the distinctive Radcliffe buildings, figures drawn from Greek mythology and elements associated with astronomy.
The mural depicts the observatory itself, together with constellations that can be seen above Cheney School.
It also includes the Greek sun god Helios and a whirlpool galaxy.
Student proposals influenced its design, while Atlas and Heracles are shown holding a globe in the same manner as the figures atop the Radcliffe Observatory.
Robinson described the resulting work as visually impressive and likely to engage viewers with the story of the building.
Year 9 pupils visited both the History of Science Museum and the Radcliffe Observatory to investigate the site’s beginnings, its astronomical instruments and the achievements of instrument maker John Bird, who created the observatory’s giant quadrant.
The project also gives students a role in considering future environmental design.
Pupils have measured the thermal conditions of school buildings and collaborated with specialists to examine possible approaches to climate-proofing.
Partners in this work include Chris Parkin of the History of Science Museum, Green Templeton College and Professor Sue Roaf, who designed the first eco-house.
Observatory construction followed a recommendation from astronomer Thomas Hornsby, who watched the 1769 transit of Venus from the nearby Radcliffe Infirmary.
Work started in 1772 using designs attributed to Henry Keene, with James Wyatt completing the building in 1794.
Its octagonal tower was modelled on Athens’ Tower of the Winds and carries a statue of Atlas created by John Bacon.
The mural’s first public display is due to take place on 14 November during a mystery artefact trail.
Cheney School, a large comprehensive in east Oxford, houses the Rumble Museum.
The institution is the first school-based museum to gain full recognition under the Arts Council’s Museum Accreditation Scheme.
The school also collaborates with the Iris Project, a charity that promotes the study of the ancient world.