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.