A crocheted topper with a 3D-printed Claremont mansion now sits on the double post box outside Boots on Esher High Street, a gift from Claremont Fan Court School.

The double post box outside Boots on Esher High Street has a new hat. It is a crocheted topper with a scale model of Claremont mansion on top.

Claremont Fan Court School unveiled it this month. The school calls it a gift from the Claremont community to the town of Esher.

The model of the mansion was made on the school’s 3D printers. Around it sit crocheted elements made by people across several generations.

From a school club to a town project

The idea started in Claremont’s Crochet Club. It then grew. Over several months, the school says, the people who worked on it included:

  • pupils
  • alumni
  • parents and grandparents
  • a local resident
  • staff from the Art, Textiles and Design Technology departments

“Contributors worked together over several months to create the unique installation, with each person adding their own creativity and craftsmanship to the final design,” the school said.

A pupil uses a paintbrush on the topper, which shows a grey model of Claremont mansion and two small figures in school uniform on green crochet, with a pink border reading Made by Claremont for Esher
A pupil puts finishing touches to the topper, with the 3D-printed mansion at its centre. Photo: supplied by Claremont Fan Court School

What to look for

The mansion is the centrepiece. It was made by the Design Technology department and printed to scale.

The school says the model picks out the chimney stacks on the roof. It also shows the tunnel beneath the mansion steps that leads to the basement, which now houses the school’s art and photography studios.

“The mansion quickly became a talking point around the school, with pupils and staff alike enjoying the opportunity to watch the design and printing process unfold and see the iconic building gradually come to life in miniature form,” the school said.

Two small crocheted figures stand either side of it, dressed in Claremont uniform. The school calls them “a familiar sight to many local residents and a tribute to the school’s enduring presence in Esher”.

The crocheted topper on a red double post box, with a model of Claremont mansion and two uniformed figures on green, and Made by Claremont for Esher stitched around the pink edge, shops and parked cars behind
The front of the topper reads "Made by Claremont for Esher". Photo: supplied by Claremont Fan Court School

The lettering on the pink border reads “Made by Claremont for Esher”. On the side facing Boots, the back of the mansion carries the words “Pupils aged 2-18”, with “A co-educational school” stitched below.

The back of the topper outside Boots, with the rear of the model mansion reading Pupils aged 2-18 and A co-educational school stitched on the pink border
The back of the topper, facing Boots. Photo: supplied by Claremont Fan Court School

Why Claremont

Claremont mansion is the historic heart of Claremont Fan Court School. It is a co-educational independent day school in Esher for pupils aged 2 to 18. The school says the topper celebrates “Esher’s rich royal heritage” as well as the town’s community spirit.

“The topper is far more than a crochet display,” the school said. “It represents many hours of creativity, kindness and collaboration over several months from people across the Claremont community. We are delighted to share it as a gift to Esher and hope it brings joy to residents and visitors alike.”

The school thanked everyone who took part. It singled out Claremont alumna Sophie and local resident Jo “for their dedication and support throughout the many months of planning and creation”.

Jeni from Experience Esher joined the unveiling to help mark the occasion.

The topper on top of a red post box, with the model mansion and a uniformed figure against a blue sky and an autumn tree
The topper on the post box on Esher High Street. Photo: supplied by Claremont Fan Court School

Where to see it

The topper is on the double post box outside Boots on Esher High Street. The school is encouraging anyone passing to stop and take a closer look at its hidden details.

The school’s own account, with more photographs, is on the Claremont Fan Court School website.