Competition winners announced

The winners of a competition to celebrate Laura Ashley' 60th anniversary have been announced.

1st Prize- Emma Harvey
2nd Prize – Emily Billings
3rd Prize – Princess Dumatol

In the competition, judged by Gilli Craig, Manager of the Newcastle-under-Lyme Laura Ashley store, the students created three accessories: a neck scarf, head scarf and tote fabric bag using a variety of printing techniques including heat transfer, heat press printing, stenciling and surface design. The students’ accessories are being displayed and sold at the College’s M.A.D.E here shop as part of a ‘Floral abundance’ exhibition.

Students compete for design prize

Fashion students at Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) are competing to follow in Laura Ashley’s footsteps in a competition celebrating the top designer’s 60th anniversary.

Students studying the Extended Diploma in Fashion were tasked with a five week live brief project inspired by ‘natural forms’ and Autumn 2013 fashion trends. The students created three accessories: a neck scarf, head scarf and tote fabric bag using a variety of printing techniques including heat transfer, heat press printing, stencilling and surface design.

Jay Dyer, Curriculum Leader for Fashion at NULC, said: “Projects like this allow the students to gain the essential skills needed in the fashion industry.  They’re given a brief which they then need to see through from inception to completion; they’re tasked with designing, creating samples and exhibiting the final garments all within a set time frame and then being judged by industry professionals.”

The students’ designs will be judged by Gilli Craig, Manager of the Newcastle-under-Lyme Laura Ashley store.  Laura Ashley is celebrating its 60th anniversary and the student design project links to the famous Laura Ashley ‘Pelham scarf’.   The Pelham scarf is a hand printed scarf and the first design by Laura Ashley made on her kitchen table in 1953. The ‘Pelham scarf’ is back in store to mark the 60th year anniversary of the iconic designer.

The students’ designs will be exhibited at the College’s M.A.D.E here shop where Gilli Craig will judge the student work and choose a winning design.  Gilli will announce the winning design at the M.A.D.E here shop during a small celebration event on Friday 22 November at 10am.
Jay added: “We’re delighted that Laura Ashley wanted to be involved in the project and acknowledge the importance of supporting young up and coming fashion designers.”

The work will remain on display at the College’s M.A.D.E here shop in Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre during the town’s Christmas Light Switch On this weekend with a selection of items available to purchase.

M.A.D.E Here, which stands for Media, Art and Design Enterprise, is situated in the Lancaster Buildings opposite the Guildhall in Newcastle town centre.  The shop features authentic handmade gifts, artwork and bespoke products from students, artists and makers connected to the College.  M.A.D.E here is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 10.00am – 4.30pm and Thursday to Saturday 10.00am – 5.00pm.

To find out more about M.A.D.E here visit www.nulc.ac.uk/madehere or search for shopmadehere on Facebook and Twitter.

Students to rejuvenate children’s centre

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) students have been tasked with providing designs to rejuvenate the children’s centre courtyard at the University Hospital North Staffordshire (UHNS).

A group of students studying both the Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design and the Foundation degree in Contemporary Art Practice have provided designs to the UHNS.  The brief was to make the courtyard more vibrant and interesting, particularly to those children who have long stays on the wards surrounding the space.

The students visited the site on a number of occasions to take measurements and interview staff and patients to get their views on how best to redesign the courtyard.  The students then presented their ideas to a number of NHS Trust members and staff in October and UHNS are now in discussions with construction company Laing to find out how any of the designs may be used.

Deb Hilditch, Curriculum Manager Art and Creative Studies at NULC, said: “Live briefs provide fantastic work experience for students, especially from large well known organisations. They really help prepare students for employment once they progress from their course.  This brief is also a very rewarding project to be involved in.”

NULC offers BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas in Art & Design, Graphics & Interactive Media, Fashion and Photography, Music Technology.  NULC offers Foundation degrees in Contemporary Art Practice, Digital Media Production, Graphics and Digital Design, and Music Technology.

If you are interested in applying for an Art & Design course at Newcastle-under-Lyme College please visit www.nulc.ac.uk, call 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.

Movember arrives at NULC

Students from Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) will be donning their moustaches for an event in aid of Movember on Friday 8 November at 12noon.

Kyle Yeo, aged 20 from Market Drayton is in his final year studying the Foundation degree (Fd) in Graphic Design at NULC.  Kyle explains what will be happening during the day: “I’ve set up a photography studio in the Food Hall where staff and students will be able to have a professional photograph taken wearing fake and comical moustaches for a small donation.”

Kyle has also gained the support of fellow students studying Music Technology who will be providing both pre recorded and live music sets at the event and students studying the Fd in Digital Media Production will be filming the event.

Kyle added: “The photographs and film will help to raise awareness of Movember and essential funds for men’s health charities including Prostrate Cancer UK.”

The former Madeley High School pupil explains why he organized the event: “The event will give me plenty of photos that can be used as part of my portfolio and also gaining necessary photography experience as well as event organisation skills.”
 
During November staff and students at the College will be organising a range of events to raise money for Movember.  The next planned event is ‘Move for Movember’ an 80’s themed Boxercise class at the Gordon Banks Sports Centre on Tuesday 26 November. 

To find out more about university level courses at NULC visit www.nulc.ac.uk//he or contact 01782 254254 or info@nulc.ac.uk.

Jewellery designer Alexandra Wise can turn the contents of skip into something beautiful

Check out this article on from The Sentinel website featuring former Newcastle-under-Lyme College student Alexandra Wise.

Alexandra studied the Foundation degree in Contemporary Art Practice at NULC and completed her studies in September 2013, she now designs her own jewellery collections.

Read the full article by clicking here.

Staffordshire Saxon Premiere

Former NULC creative student and award-winning film maker Chris Stone has produced a film inspired by the Staffordshire Hoard.

 The Last Dragon Hunter – a 30-minute short film based on the 'Staffordshire Saxon' – will premiere tomorrow at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Hanley.

Since leaving NULC Chris has been involved in the NULC Heatwave Film Festival, where he has sat on the panel of judges.

Click here to read more on The Sentinel.

Creative students showcase designs at Ceramics 2013 launch

Creative students from Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) continued to develop their links with the British Ceramics Biennial (BCB).

Students studying the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design and Extended Diploma in Art and Design (Year 2) successfully collaborated with BCB with the work of  fashion and 3D design specialist students being showcased at the BCB launch night at the China Hall, Spode on Friday 27 September. 

Current Foundation Diploma students and EDAD2 students volunteered to model the garments at the private view and received lots of interest from the public. 

Cheryl Smith, Course Leader for the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, was interviewed by Radio Stoke and discussed the importance of continuing education within the field of ceramics at a noted time of the revival of ceramic production within Stoke-on-Trent.

Work produced by two of the 3D specialist students, Philippa Read (Foundation Diploma) and Liz Arnold (Extended Diploma in Art and Design) is being exhibited for the duration of the Biennial and can be seen on show in the main China Hall Gallery. 

Over the coming weeks all art and design students from the Faculty of Art and Creative Studies will be visiting the exhibition.

To find out more about studying Art and Design at NULC click here or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.
 

Students meet UK design expert

Students from Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) had exclusive access to design expert Wayne Hemingway, Red or Dead founder, at Ceramics 2013.

A group of students studying the Foundation degree (Fd) in Contemporary Art Practice at NULC attended the Ceramics industry showcase where they were invited to their own question and answer session with the designer.

Widely regarded as an influential figure in modern British design, Hemingway began with fashion label Red or Dead before founding Hemingway Design, which allowed him to branch out into varied aspects of design, including ceramics.

Amy Davies, NULC Curriculum Leader for the Foundation degree in Contemporary Art Practice, said: “The students found the question and answer session incredibly rewarding and returned to college inspired to succeed.”

Amy continued: “Here at NULC we’re dedicated to providing our students with outstanding opportunities to meet industry professionals and gain employability skills. This sets them apart from their contemporaries when starting their careers.”

NULC provides a range of university level courses in partnership with Staffordshire University. Courses are available to study full-time and part-time and are taught in the College’s bespoke University Centre at the College’s £60 million campus.

Ceramics 2013 took place on Thursday 26 September and adopted ‘Made in the UK’ as this year’s design theme. The show brought together companies from across the industry and its supply chain to celebrate success stories, and to provide a key networking opportunity.

To find out more about the range of university level courses available at Newcastle-under-Lyme College visit www.nulc.ac.uk/he or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email  info@nulc.ac.uk.

Newcastle to New York!

Former NULC Graphics student, George Myers, has seen his work showcased at one of New York’s most famous buildings, Grand Central Station.  

The cutting edge ‘3D’ animations promoting the UK's own Financial Times had commuters stopping in their tracks to take in these site specific adverts.  George, now an established editorial illustrator whose clients have included The Guardian and Financial Times, worked flat out on the project for a month but is understandably thrilled with the results and critical reaction.

During his fours years at the College, George studied the National Diploma in Visual Communication and A Level Graphics where he achieved an A grade, before progressing to study a Foundation degree with NULC. 

Mike Kelly, Assistant Head Of NULC Sixth Form, is delighted to see a  former student excelling.  Mike said: “ George was very quiet as a student but obviously had the quality of ideas and drawing skills to excel. It’s incredibly rewarding for the staff who taught George to see him fulfilling his potential in such a spectacular arena.”

Click here to visit George's website or to view a short film of the Grand Central Station installation click here.


To find out more about the range of A Level courses available at NULC visit www.nulc.ac.uk or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.

Students invited to meet UK design expert

Students from Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) have been selected to meet UK

design expert, Wayne Hemingway.

A group of students studying the Foundation degree (Fd) in Contemporary Art Practice at NULC will be attending the this month's highly-anticipated Ceramics show, where they have been invited to an exclusive question and answer session on design with the Red or Dead founder, who will also act as keynote speaker at the show's event lunch.

Widely regarded as an influential figure in modern British design, Hemingway began with fashion label, Red or Dead, before founding Hemingway Design, which has allowed him to branch out into varied aspects of design, including ceramics.

"We are delighted that Wayne has given up his time to meet the students," says Max Dudson, Chair of Ceramics 2013. "Both the past and future of our industry is heavily reliant on good design, and we wanted to give the ceramics designers of the future the opportunity to meet and draw inspiration from Wayne."

The show - set to take place on Thursday 26 September - has adopted 'Made in the UK' as this year's design theme, and will bring together companies from across the industry and its supply chain to celebrate success stories, and to provide a key networking opportunity.

NULC provides a range of university level courses in partnership with Staffordshire University.  Courses are available to study full-time and part-time and are taught in the College's bespoke University Centre at the College's £60 million campus.

To find out more about the range of university level courses available at Newcastle-under-Lyme College visit www.nulc.ac.uk/he or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.

Students exhibit at Staffordshire Fringe Festival

Following on from their success at the Chelsea Flower show, students studying the Foundation degree in Contemporary Art Practice were invited to be part of an exhibition at the Staffordshire Fringe Festival.

Everyone involved in putting the garden together displayed examples of the work at the university's Pavilion, they got the chance to meet and speak with the other artists and talk to members of the public about their involvement. 

Students from the surface pattern course at the university were there along with a flower maker demonstrating techniques and representatives from the British Ceramics Biennial (BCB), the time lapse film of the garden being constructed was also playing during the evening, going a sense of the process and techniques used.

To find out more about about studying the Foundation degree in Contemporary Art Practice at NULC click here.

Students showcase designs to the public

Students from Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) are celebrating the heritage of Stoke-on-Trent’s ceramic industry.

As part of their end of year project the creative students studying the Foundation National Diploma in Art and Design and Extended Diploma in Art and Design are working with the British Ceramics Biennial.

The event titled A Place at the Table, will take place on Thursday 6 June at 6.00pm at The Spode Works on Elenora Street in Stoke.

The students who specialise in 3D Designs and Fashion have produced individual responses for their final major project.  The one off event will see students collaboratively construct a performance event.

During the event visitors will be able to view a fashion show and table installation as well being entertained by live music.

Cheryl Smith, Curriculum Leader at Newcastle-under-Lyme College, said: “The event will be very unique and is a celebration of ceramics and fashion and will feature bespoke designs from some of our most talented and creative students.”

Cheryl added: “As a College we’re extremely proud to be working with such a prestigious and internationally renowned organisation as the British Ceramics Biennial. Through our work with BCB, students have been able to gain industry skills and benefit from working alongside outstanding ceramics professionals.”

Entrance to the event is free but visitors must confirm their attendance prior to the event by contacting the College on 01782 254323 or emailing Natalie.cliff@nulc.ac.uk.

College students help win silver at Chelsea Flower Show

Stoke-on-Trent’s entry into the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has won a silver award.  The Potteries' Transformation Garden, which has seen contributions from students at Newcastle-under-Lyme College, was designed to represent the city's industrial heritage along with the on-going regeneration in the area.

Students studying the Foundation degree (Fd) in Contemporary Art Practice at NULC have been making ceramic flowers as part of the British Ceramics Biennial (BCB).  The first year students worked with Rita Floyd making ceramic flowers which were part of the final installation showcased at yesterday’s Chelsea Flower Show.

The Contemporary Art Practice students have also been using the theme and traditional ceramic technique as the starting point for their project at the College’s University Centre.

Yesterday students from the College travelled to the Chelsea Flower Show where they mingled with celebrities and viewed their work  A number of celebrities toured the gardens including Davina McCall, Ringo Starr, George Lamb, Judith Chalmers, Gary Kemp, Jerry Hall, Ben Fogle, Rob Brydon, Laurence Llewelyn Bowen and Kirstie Allsopp who tweeted from her @KirstieMAllsopp account: "This is the Stoke-on-Trent Garden. Each flower is hand-made in Stoke!”

NULC student Kate Windsor (pictured below), aged 43, of Penkhull, who was involved in the project, said: "I didn't expect to be meeting so many celebrities, it has been amazing. We are all incredibly proud of the finished product."

The College is now calling for members of the public to vote for The Potteries' Transformation Garden in the popular RHS People's Choice competition.  It is the only award at the Chelsea Flower Show that is decided by public vote and people have until 4pm on Friday 24 May to vote by visiting http://www.rhs.org.uk/chelsea.

To find out more about studying the Foundation degree in Contemporary Art Practice at Newcastle-under-Lyme College's University Centre click here or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.

College Photography Students Score with Manchester United

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) photography students, with the help of Holdcroft Chevrolet, score with Manchester United’s Captain Nemanja Vidić.


Three students studying Photography & Digital Imaging at NULC landed a location shoot with Manchester United. This was for the Young Creative Chevrolet competition project brief they had been set as part of their course.

NULC students Bethany Morris, Joshua Platt and Toni Langdridge approached Holdcroft Chevrolet in Hanley in the hope that they might be able to give them access to a car for a few hours to shoot for the Young Creative Chevrolet competition project brief.

NULC Students (from L-R) Joshua Platt, Bethany Morris and Toni Langdridge with Manchester United player Nemanja Vidic.

Mike Shotbolt, General Manager of the Leek Road dealership loaned the College a car for twenty four hours and helped the students land the amazing opportunity of a location shoot with Manchester United and Serbian international Nemanja Vidić at the Premiership club’s Carrington training ground in Manchester.

Mike Shotbolt said, “The students displayed initiative, enthusiasm and good organisational skills and as a local employer its fantastic to see this level of motivation and positive attitude from young people and so Holdcroft Chevrolet were glad to support them with their project and help all we could”

Alex Williams, Course Leader said, “As part of the Extended Diploma course we try to impress on students that being a successful photographer is not just about the technical skills we teach but equally important is initiative and interpersonal skills and Bethany, Josh and Toni have clearly displayed shown they possess these and that they can take ownership of a project and work independently”

The three budding David Baileys complete their studies in June and Bethany has been offered a place on a Business Apprenticeship whilst Josh has accepted a place at Staffordshire University to study Photojournalism and Toni is progressing on to NULC’s Foundation degree (Fd) in Contemporary Art Practice.

To find out more information about Photography courses at Newcastle-under-Lyme College call 01782 254254, email info@nulc.ac.uk or visit www.nulc.ac.uk.

Students fired up by new glass kiln

Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) has invested £5,000 in a new glass kiln further strengthening the College’s reputation as a leading provider for Art and Design in Staffordshire.

The investment in the specialist glass kiln allows the College to extend the opportunities available within the existing curriculum for current full-time students and also opens up new markets and opportunities in part-time recreational courses for adult learners.

Deb Hilditch, Curriculum Manager for Art and Design, said: “A number of art and design Higher Education institutions have some form of glass facility; in offering our pre-degree students the opportunity to encounter this material we will be helping them to strengthen their portfolios and increase their progression options.”

Deb added: “Glass is a material that fascinates, intrigues and captivates and there is demand for recreational courses and qualifications that allow people to develop skills with it.”

“Working with kiln glass is relatively simple and inexpensive, and it’s something that is increasingly readily seen within commercial art and design outlets from coasters and Christmas decorations to platters and jewellery to large scale wall installation pieces.”

The kiln will next be in use during the College’s new CREATE Glass course which starts on Wednesday 17 April.  The part-time recreational course runs for five weeks from 6.30pm – 8.30pm and is designed to offer adults of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to explore their creativity and will provide an introduction into fused glass, whereby learners will be taught how to cut and assemble glass for fusing and create a number of items to take away with them at the end of the course.

To find out more about the new CREATE – Glass course visit www.nulc.ac.uk or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or info@nulc.ac.uk.

Student's contribute to Chelsea Flower Show

Students from the Foundation degree (Fd) in Contemporary Art Practice have been making ceramic flowers as part of the British Ceramics Biennial (BCB).

The first year students worked with Rita Floyd making flowers to be part of the Chelsea Flower Show, the work created within College will go in to the final installation at Chelsea.

The students have learned traditional flower making techniques from Rita who has worked in the industry for 40 years.  Ceramic flowers are being made by Rita Ford and Jeanette Seabridge, and are formed by hand to create the different shapes and structures for the garden. BCB is aiming to highlight these traditional flower-making skills by finding alternative uses for the flowers,which were once widespread in Stoke but are now manufactured by a single factory, Aynsley China.

The Contemporary Art Practice students will also be using the theme as the starting point for their next project and hope to visit the show in Chelsea to see some of their work in-situ.

The students’ flowers will sit alongside 800 other flowers that Rita and Jeanette have made especially for the installation.

The British Ceramics Biennial is collaborating with The Stoke-on-Trent Garden Partnership garden at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.   BCB is responsible for creating 800 bone china ‘flower-bricks’, coping-stones, and kerb-stones for the garden, called Transformation, together with a dramatic, two metre swag of ceramic flowers.

To find out more about studying the Foundation degree in Contemporary Art Practice at Newcastle-under-Lyme College's University Centre click here or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.

Students logo designs shortlisted in competition

Two HE students from NULC have had their logo designs shortlisted in a competition to find the best seal of approval for Further Education (FE) providers.

The Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) launched a contest for FE students to produce a graphic mark that best reflected ‘chartered status’, a concept being developed by the government that would recognise top FE providers.

Daniel Mountford and Mimi Jones, both studying Foundation degrees (Fds) at the College, are among five students who had their entries selected from around 130 entries.  The competition was shortlisted by a judging panel and FE Minister Matthew Hancock will pick a winner from six designs (Daniel had two entries selected) over the coming week.

Digital media production student Daniel, 21 said: “I couldn’t believe it and was shocked and surprised to be shortlisted, especially as it was a national competition.  Obviously as a design student it’s your ultimate aim to get your work out there and this is a great opportunity for that.”

Students were tasked with the brief on 8th January and developed their designs over the course of a week.  Richard Hunter, Curriculum Leader in Graphics and Digital Design and Digital Media Production at NULC said: “Competitions like this are a great way for students to get real experience of working on actual live briefs which will enhance their studies and portfolios and ultimately prepare them for their career on completion of their course.”

Graphics and digital design student Mimi, 21 agrees: “The more competitions you enter the better as it gets you ready to work for clients, working to a deadline and working out what they want.”
The winning designer picks up an iPad, spends a day (fully paid) working with FE Week head designer Dan Duke and has the chance that their emblem could represent the chartered status brand.

FE providers would apply for chartered status and if they met certain criteria such as showing strong leadership and management and having excellent feedback from learners as well as a programme of community activity endorsed by Local Enterprise Partnerships, they could use the term in reference to their title.

To find out more about HE courses at NULC visit the website.