Students attend Clothes Show Live

On Friday 5th December, students within the Faculty of Academic and Creative Studies attended the Clothes Show Live in Birmingham.

The day included a dedicated seat in the Fashion Theatre, a fashion career seminar along with the opportunity for students to speak to representatives from several Universities offering HE courses in Fashion and Textiles.

 

With opportunities to view the work of recent graduates on the small catwalks in the venue throughout the event.

The Clothes Show was a great chance to speak with industry experts, have a look at the latest trends and get a real insight into the world of fashion.

To find out more about studying an  A-Levels at NULC contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.

Students visit historic Spode site

Over ninety students from Foundation Degree in Contemporary Art Practice, Design and Graphics and Extended Diploma in Fashion visited the historic Spode site, based in Church Street, Stoke, to view the new exhibition Journeys, Pathway and Trackplans.

The exhibition features eighteen artists, including Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) Foundation Degree in Contemporary Art Practice lecturer Joyce Iwaszko and ex-NULC students Rob Noble, Ali Reed and Andrew Branscombe.

Joyce Iwaszko said: "Journeys, Pathways and Trackplans has been an amazing opportunity for students to see such a diverse range of contemporary art in the city"

All the students who visited the exhibition are using the experience to inspire a visual communication as part of their courses it aims to show visitors art in a non-traditional white cube space.

The exhibition continues at the historic Spode site daily 11-5pm until October 25. A blog documenting the event can be found here.

For more information about Art & Design courses at NULC, you can email info@nulc.ac.uk or telephone 01782 254254.


Images courtesy of Cristiana Cappelletti

NULC Floristry students are the centre of attention

On Thursday 16 October, Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) floristry students helped provide the centre pieces at the Autumn Lunch for the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and Industry hosted at the Britannia Stadium, home of Stoke City Football Club.

Both Level two and three full time floristry students from the College took part in designing and creating the twenty table centre pieces for the event.

 

Louise Johnson Curriculum Leader for Floristry said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the students to experience a ‘real life’ floristry commission involving them from the initial ideas, through the design and planning process, finally creating the designs and ensuring that they meet both budget requirements and client expectations.” 

The event for the Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry was attended by Stoke City boss Mark Hughes as well as BET 365 and Stoke City chairman Peter Coates.

Said Louise Johnson “The students have created wonderful displays with rich autumnal colours in keeping with the client’s request. The students should be proud of what they have produced and the skills developed along with it.”

 

 

To find out more about studying Floristry at NULC visit www.nulc.ac.uk or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.

 

Local music photographer shares experiences with NULC students

Tony Woolliscroft, photographer to music stars including The 1975, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Foo Fighters and Robbie Williams, returned to NULC to inspire the new students on the Extended Diploma Photography & Digital Imaging course.

 

Alex Williams, Curriculum Leader for the course, said: “It is fantastic to have links to such a prolific photographer, especially for those learners who may be specifically interested in music, sports and portrait work.  With a portfolio including not just famous bands, but portraits for football stars such as Kenny Dalglish, Keith Gillespie and Steven Gerrard, Tony can inspire lots of different students.  His links and experience in the industry are immeasurable, highlighted by his talk to the students about his use of the new Fuji X-T1 mirrorless digital cameras.”

 

Alex added: “I am currently talking to Tony about the possibility of mentoring some of our photography students on a one to one basis at live events.  This would be a “money can’t buy” opportunity for students, giving them fantastic access and instant feedback by an experienced photographer.  Watch this space!”

To find out more about Extended Diploma Photography & Digital Imaging at NULC contact alex.williams@nulc.ac.uk

 

 

Creative students join forces to create show stopping charity show

Creative students from Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) have raised over £800 after organising a charity fashion and textiles show.
The show was a collaborative project between students studying the Fashion and Textiles Foundation Diploma in Art and Design and BTEC Extended Diploma in Art and Design and was titled ‘The House of God’ which took place at St Giles Church in Newcastle-under-Lyme on Friday 13th June.

The students worked on a number of different aspects of putting together the fashion and textiles event. The students designed and made the outfits for the catwalk show, photographed and video recorded the event and promotional material including posters and tickets were designed and printed.
On the evening students raised over £800 for the Douglas Macmillan Hospice and Mind.

 

Lauren Spragg, Lecturer in Fashion at NULC said: “All of the students involved worked extremely hard to organise the charity fashion and textiles show. Their hard work paid off and on the evening we had over 400 in attendance and over £800 was raised for the selected charities.”Representatives from both charities were presented with a cheque at NULC’s £60 million campus on Knutton Lane on Monday 30th June.
She continued: “The students really enjoyed every minute of the event and the whole experience. It gives them a real insight of what a future career in this industry will be like. I’m proud of all of them.”

To find out more about studying Art and Design, contact Lauren Spragg or Andrea Birch-Machin on lauren.spragg@nulc.ac.uk or andrea.birch-machin@nulc.ac.uk

Middleport Pottery Wall Painting (Fresco secco) 2014

In May, 2014, the Prince’s Regeneration Trust commissioned me to re-design and paint the Middleport Pottery café walls. The design is painted onto lime wash walls with a mineral paint, this will form a chemical bond to the lime wash and soak into the wall without loss of colour.  This use of traditional materials is in keeping with the PRT restoration plan for the whole site. Historically, Willow Pattern was printed in blue, a paler blue is used for the Asiatic Pheasant pattern. On the Willow Wall I also incorporated Arden and Calico/Calico Accent patterns. 

As I began to draw, the Willow Pattern sections of the painting became a symbol to me of the new life of Middleport Pottery representing historic and contemporary connections. The Mandarin’s House related to the newly renovated Burleigh buildings. The bridge and the boat related to the canal directly outside the café door and the ‘island’ began to represent the other side of the canal. On many of the days I was painting, the sun was shining and I was able to have my lunch just outside by the canal. I thought of the history and the future of the pottery and how others would soon enjoy this experience.

This has been a particularly exciting commission and it has been a privilege to be part of this restoration project and paint the Middleport Pottery Wall Painting.

Joyce Iwaszko

Curriculum Leader for Level 2 Art and Design at NULC
June 2014

Please see video below for further information about the regeneration of Middleport Pottery by the Prince's Regeneration Trust.

 

College holds annual art exhibition

Members of the public are invited to FEAST their eyes on a visual extravaganza as talented students from Newcastle-under-Lyme College (NULC) showcase their creative designs.

The annual end-of-year exhibition is open to the public from Saturday 21 June to Saturday 28 June and is hosted at the College’s £60 million campus at Knutton Lane.

The annual event has risen in popularity over the years and welcomes hundreds of visitors, who are keen to discover the work of some of the most talented creative students in Staffordshire.

The exhibition, entitled FEAST, encompasses all creative subjects from the College’s Faculty of Academic and Creative Studies including fashion, film, illustration, 3D design, painting, ceramics, graphic design, media, music technology, photography, textiles and floristry.

Mike Kelly, Assistant Head of Faculty, Academic and Creative Studies at the College, said “Every year our staff and students work incredibly hard to showcase the very best on offer in new and innovative art and design practice.  It really is a visual feast. I would urge anyone who has an interest in the creative industries to come along, view the exhibition and perhaps even buy work from students who may well go on to be stars of the future.”

Particular highlights on display this year include stunning award-winning photography by A level student Danielle Cooper, and ‘The Packing Room’ - a ‘Scandi’ design group project by the College’s Foundation degree students.

The College has a national reputation for the quality of its art and creative courses and its many successful former students, including Oscar winning special effects director Pete Bebb, Esme Talbot who designs her own Potteries slogan based products and photographer Veronique de Viguerie who has travelled the world as a photo journalist for publications including ‘Paris Match’.

The College is also the only one in Staffordshire to launch its own town centre enterprise in the form of the M.A.D.E Here shop.  The shop provides students past and present with an opportunity to sell their products whilst gaining business and employability skills.

Exhibition opening times are available by visiting www.nulc.ac.uk/events 

There will also be the opportunity for visitors to the College’s Open Day on Saturday 21 June to view the exhibition from 10am – 12 noon.

For more details call 01782 254254, email info@nulc.ac.uk or visit www.nulc.ac.uk.

FEAST - Art Exhibition

Click the image below to view opening times.

 

Floristry students create display for Harley Davidson

On Saturday 25 January students studying Floristry at NULC attended a charity event at the Harley Davidson showroom in Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent.  This fundraiser was in aid of the Donna Louise Trust and two Floristry students created flower displays in the theme of the Harley Davidson corporate colours.   

Teresa Sinaguglia Level 3 and Deanne Perry were invited along to the presentation where they thoroughly enjoyed the day and gained valuable experience from this corporate opportunity through their work experience at Transform flowers.  

The students were made to feel very welcome and there were lots of positive comments about their displays from the visitors and members there.

This opportunity came about thanks to Mark Sutherland (Welding Dept at NULC). He very kindly purchased these flowers for the event, giving the students the brief on the colour scheme but allowing them to use their own creative skills and experience from their lessons and work experience at NULC.

To find out more about studying Floristry at NULC visit www.nulc.ac.uk or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.

Floristry students St Valentine's Day video

Students studying Floristry at Newcastle-under-Lyme College created floral arrangements for Valentine’s Day.
The talented students showcased their skills by making floral arrangements and bouquets at the College’s M.A.D.E. Here shop in Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre where they were available to purchase by members of the public.
The initiative proved very popular as this Staffs Live video shows.


The College expanded its vocational provision and introduced Floristry to the curriculum in 2012. Students are taught in the College’s Transform Flowers Shop which is open to staff, students and members of the public every Thursday and Friday during term time.
Orders can also be placed prior to Valentine’s Day by calling the College’s Transform Flowers Shop
on Thursday and Friday between 10.00am and 4.00pm.
Said Anthony Keates, Curriculum Manager for Floristry at the College: “Opportunities like this allow our students to develop the essential employability skills including customer service, cash handling and communication skills which are needed in the work place.”
The College offers full-time courses for school leavers as well as part-time evening courses for adults in Floristry.  To find out more about studying Floristry at Newcastle-under-Lyme College visit www.nulc.ac.uk or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
To pre-order a floral arrangement please call Transform Flowers on 01782 254306 on Thursdays and Fridays between 10.00am – 4.00pm.

Advice from Industry Leading Florists

Joseph Massie is one of the UK’s youngest creative florists using fresh flowers, plants and botanical materials. He has achieved world-wide recognition and praise for his creative skill and inspirational designs.

Jonathan Moseley has become one of the UK’s leading designers within the floral art world; being a NAFAS demonstrator he has aspired and entertained audiences and individuals with his love of flowers through demonstrations, workshops and classes.

Tracy Rowbottom is a NDSF, lecturer and a designer florist with over 20 years’ experience has built an enviable reputation based upon her professionalism, inspiration, creativity and attention to detail.

Laura Leong studied floristry at college alongside working in many stores as a retail florist, she has over 20 years’ experience within the industry.

When and how did you first enter into the world of floristry?

Joseph:  I first started in floristry aged fourteen having asked endless shops if they were hiring, I managed to gain a Saturday job at a local flower stall. It was there that I started working with flowers, and within six months, I knew I wanted to learn to design with flowers. It all started from there, right from that a little flower stall in Liverpool.

Jonathan: All my memories are of playing with flowers from such a young age and having a great love of working and designing with them. I worked in a flower shop from the age of 13 and the passion has remained with me ever since

Laura: I started aged eighteen, I went to work full time in a local shop as a retail florist and went to college one day a week studying floristry. An early success in a junior competition gave me the taste for it and I got ‘the bug’ for floristry competitions.

What achievement are you most proud of?

Joseph: I have been very lucky throughout my career in that I have had so many amazing experiences around the world. However I think that the personal achievements I’m most proud of would be the five consecutive RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medals, and the accompanying four Best In Show Awards are also incredibly special to me. Plus I have also got so many fun memories and made so many good fiends through these competitions – I smile every time I look at my medals.

Jonathan: I was extremely proud the very first time I ever demonstrated at the Chelsea Flower show, which is after all the Greatest Show on earth. Secondly (if I can have a second!) is designing the annual floral extravaganza which is Florabundance at Chastworth each year. I plan it with military precision and it utilises a florists essential skills of engineer, sculptor, designer, delegator and diplomat!

Tracy: All of my RHS Chelsea Medals but particularly my Gold Medal, which I won on my first visit to Chelsea as a competitor. My theme was the bicentenary of Haiti the first black free state!

Laura: I won Chelsea Florist of the Year for 2013 which was amazing, a real dream come true! I also had a wedding collection featured in the Fusion Flowers Wedding Magazine, this was a huge honour. I went to Belguim to decorate a room for the Fleuramour event at Alden Biesen so that was pretty exciting, and a rare and valued opportunity for a UK designer.

What advice do you have for somebody wanting to pursue a career in floristry?

Joseph: My best advice would be to invest in your education and not just the floristry skills and techniques. I would encourage new designers to seek out floral design courses that best suit them and their learning ability. Research the internet and visiting galleries/exhibitions for inspiration, immerse yourself into good design books and dive into the industry.

Jonathan: Remember that there isn’t just one path of getting into floristry but that it is strongly allied with fashion and trend so always be ready to embrace and appreciate new ideas and styles. You have to be multi dexterous in so many areas and able to cope with exceptionally long days, be warned Floristry does take over your life!

 Tracy: Get the appropriate training and involve yourself in the industry, be open with other florists and share information.

Laura: Yes try to get good diverse experience within a range of different types of business, practice a lot, and go to college alongside having industrial experience. Try floristry competitions it’s great fun planning and designing and you learn lots from the experience too!

Lastly, Enjoy it! It’s a great trade and an honour to work with flowers every day.

To read the full interviews visit the Country Baskets website.

Creative students display floral gifts for Valentine’s Day

Students studying Floristry at Newcastle-under-Lyme College will be creating floral arrangements for Valentine’s Day.

The talented students will be showcasing their skills by making floral arrangements and bouquets at the College’s M.A.D.E. Here shop in Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre on Thursday 13 February.  The beautiful arrangements will then be available to purchase by members of the public in time for Valentine’s Day.

Anthony Keates, Curriculum Manager for Floristry at the College, said: “Members of the public can come along on the day, meet staff and students and take a look at the skills needed for Floristry before leaving with a professional standard floral arrangement for a loved one at a reduced cost.”
The College expanded its vocational provision and introduced Floristry to the curriculum in 2012. Students are taught in the College’s Transform Flowers Shop which is open to staff, students and members of the public every Thursday and Friday during term time.

Orders can also be placed prior to Valentine’s Day by calling the College’s Transform Flowers Shop on Thursday and Friday between 10.00am and 4.00pm.

Anthony continued: “Opportunities like this allow our students to develop the essential employability skills including customer service, cash handling and communication skills which are needed in the work place.”

The College offers full-time courses for school leavers as well as part-time evening courses for adults in Floristry.  To find out more about studying Floristry at Newcastle-under-Lyme College visit www.nulc.ac.uk or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.

The following items will be available to purchase at M.A.D.E. Here and Transform Flowers on Thursday 13 February.

A single red rose gift wrapped: £2.50
A dozen red roses in an aqua pack in Valentines theme: £35
Two dozen roses (available upon request): £65
Half dozen roses in an aqua pack in Valentines theme: £20
There will be various floral gifts suitable for every budget.

To pre-order a floral arrangement please call Transform Flowers on 01782 254306 on Thursdays and Fridays between 10.00am – 4.00pm.