PRIMARY school pupils have been working on a special art project to celebrate diversity and inclusion on Anglesey.

Children from Ysgol Gynradd, Amlwch worked with North Wales artist Jwls Williams, the Anglesey Archives and Gallery Oriel Môn to trace the lives of two Jewish families.

Seventy children took part in the project to research the Pollecoff and Stein families who emigrated from Russia to the island during the late 1800s. They settled in Holyhead and Amlwch and set up successful businesses.

Anglesey’s Senior Archivist, Hayden Burns, said, “The children traced the history of the Pollecoff and Stein families using archival documents and museum artefacts.

“They also created original bilingual artwork based on their own experiences and inspired by the archives. Their work included a series of intricate interpretative banners, which act as a colourful tribute to the families and tell their story.”

The artwork is on show at the Anglesey Archives building in Llangefni. The exhibition was opened by Anglesey Council Chair Councillor Margaret Roberts.

Cllr Roberts said: “This is a fantastic exhibition which chronicles the lives of both the Pollecoffs and Steins. Both families became an important part of their respective communities, they learned Welsh, and were welcomed by their new neighbours.

“The children and all who have helped them with this project are to be congratulated. Not only does celebrates our local history, but also teaches the importance of tolerance, diversity and embracing people from all backgrounds.”

The pupils’ work will also be exhibited at their school and Oriel Môn before returning to the archives for permanent display.