Students studying the BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art and
Design at NULC have continued their involvement in the ‘Lost Boys’ project
which is being run in collaboration with the British Ceramics Biennial and
Professor Stephen Dixon from Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU).
The project aims to research the underage soldiers who were
enlisted during WW1 with findings being explored and presented visually through
a range of collaborative ceramic outcomes. On Tuesday 22 March, students
visited the Staffordshire Regiment Museum in Lichfield to gather further
research through photography and drawing. Students toured the
reconstructed WW1 trenches and were able to obtain an insight into what it
would have been like to be on the front line and the conditions that the soldiers
had to live in. Following this there was a talk on uniform and the
firearms used in battle – this included a handling session which enabled
students to examine and photograph the equipment for their research.
To conclude the day there was a workshop on research
techniques which explored how to examine documentation to find out more about
an individual soldier when exploring the archives at the Library.
Research gathered during the visit will be applied through two further ceramics
workshops which will be run by staff from MMU Friday 22 April and Friday 20 May.
The ‘Lost Boys’ project has enabled students to develop
valuable research skills and independence through the many facets of the
project that have been encountered. These skills are essential for anyone
pursuing a career in Art and Design and will undoubtedly provide an excellent
foundation for further development at University and beyond.
For more information about studying the
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design call 01782 254254, email info@nulc.ac.uk
or visit www.nulc.ac.uk
