For those less familiar with Flowforms, these sculptural water features were developed through the work of John Wilkes, who was closely connected with the Steiner Waldorf movement. Water flows rhythmically through specially shaped vessels, creating a characteristic figure-of-eight movement. Flowforms can be found in many Steiner settings around the world, including Emerson College and Nutley Hall, as well as our own Kindergarten.

This particular Flowform has a lovely story behind it. Alongside the two handcrafted benches by the Ha-Ha in front of the Mansion, its restoration formed part of the Class of 2026 parents’ leaving gift to Michael Hall. Ami Nielsen led the project as one of the Class of 2026 parents, and it also helped mark the beginnings of the Old Scholars’ Parents Group.

As the parents of the 101st class to leave the School, we wanted our gift to look back at our children’s years here and forward to the next 100 classes, celebrating the continuing relationship between Michael Hall and its former pupils, parents and families.

Getting the water flowing again feels like a fitting expression of that continuing connection. There is a family link too: John Wilkes was the grandfather of Dylan, one of our Class of 2026 pupils, making this restoration especially meaningful.

The new pump cost £249, generously funded by David McCluskey and his family. We are very grateful to them, and to the maintenance team, who devoted considerable time and care to thoroughly cleaning the Flowform, replacing pipes and installing the pump. It feels fitting that David has now joined the Board of Trustees as we celebrate a project that grew out of the Class of 2026 parent community.

On the morning of the relaunch, Class 1 and three Class 12 pupils planted shrubs around the Flowform. Later, we gathered for a photograph and a few words as the water was switched on, a lovely way to welcome it back and share its care with another generation of Michael Hall pupils.

The response since has been wonderful:

“It was good fun and wonderful to hear the class one squealing with joy.”

“Amazing, the flow is back on! So symbolic.”

“It is quite something to hear the sound of the water flowing! Thank you, Ami, for spearheading this and bringing it back to life!”

“I was in the theatre greenrooms whilst class 11 were clearing up and one of them rushed back into the changing rooms shouting, ‘they’ve made a water feature!!’ As if it hadn’t been there before… the wonder of water enlivening what was for her a non-existent place. The kids love it. Beautiful, thank you all, bringing life to a space that was forgotten.”

“Amazing work. Bow of respect getting it together and making an idea into a deed!”

“Wonderful, where there is a will, there is a way. So happy to see some planting incorporated, it begged to be surrounded by some nature.”

“Yesterday was such a wonderful moment. Thank you to you and the previous class 12 parents for restoring the fountain. The energy was delightful!”

We hope that, in time, the Old Scholars’ Parents Group can also raise funds to restore the Flowforms in the Walled Garden and Kindergarten. If you would like to make a contribution, please get in touch with Ami: [email protected]