Each year, Harrogate College’s Art and Design students are set a live brief from Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal that pushes students out of their comfort zones and brings in an element of competition. This year was no different, with students being asked to design merchandise.
The brief was that design ideas needed to encapsulate the spirit of Fountains Abbey and the Water Garden, and the students came up with a range of merchandise including everything from calendars, scarves and mugs to quirky lamps, money boxes and wine bottle labels. Their work was then put on display at Fountains Abbey for the public to vote for their favourite.
Hayley Donaldson, Visitor Experience Assistant from Fountains Abbey visited the students at Harrogate College last week, to present awards and give feedback to Level 3 Art students. Hayley announced the winner of the public competition was Dan Flack who had designed an interactive illustrations book that was voted for by the visitors to Fountains Abbey, a massive 900 times. The public identified with the activities and commented on the bright colours.
Hayley Donaldson said: Thank you and congratulations to all the students who have taken part in this year’s competition at Fountains Abbey. All the entries were unique, stylish and of a very high quality, making it extremely difficult to decide on a winner!
Harry Atkinson achieved the top award as voted for by members of the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal team, for his coasters, winning a year’s National Trust membership.
Joe Harris came second with his beautiful scarf and Evie Clayson with her hand made embroidered cards.
Harrogate College have given their congratulations to all of their students for creating such wonderful and unique work.
The students work will be displayed around Harrogate College.
Feedback from the public voters included:
“It reminds me of our grandchildren enjoying the freedom of being at Fountains Abbey”
“Really innovative and shows obvious talent for graphic design.”
“I love the colour and the way the theme ties to Yorkshire and the Water Garden. Great to see young peoples’ innovative ideas”
“The colour and texture of the garment convey a sense of movement of the river with the pearls suggesting bubbles whilst adding glamour and elegance to the item.”
