Artwork created by Newcastle College students is bringing a new splash of colour to Blandford Street, with designs celebrating Newcastle now on public display just a stone’s throw from the College.
The colourful designs have been installed on fencing opposite Pablo Eggs-Go-Bao, transforming the space with illustrations inspired by the city’s landmarks, culture and identity.
They were originally created by students as part of Future Heritage, a major project delivered in partnership with Eldon Square and Fenwick Newcastle, which challenged around 80 Newcastle College students to take inspiration from Newcastle’s heritage and transform it into original fashion and surface textile designs.
Now, some of the students’ work is on display close to Rye Hill Campus, giving thousands of people passing through the area the chance to see their creativity.
The designs feature everything from Newcastle Brown Ale and Newcastle Castle to magpies, local landmarks and familiar Geordie phrases, capturing the city through the eyes of its next generation of creative talent.
Juno Money, one of the student designers whose work is now on display, said: “I never really envisioned that something I created myself would end up being displayed in this kind of way and seen by so many people each day.
“It looks better than I could ever have imagined. I’m super proud to have had the opportunity to do something like this and to know that my work is being appreciated.
“Newcastle College has been absolutely amazing for giving me those kinds of opportunities to connect with industry professionals, so I’m very thankful.”
The installation marks another milestone for Future Heritage, which has already seen students respond to a live industry brief and showcase their work at high-profile events across Newcastle.
Winning garments created through the project were worn by professional models at an exclusive Retail & Leisure International event at Freight Island in September, before taking to the catwalk at Grainger Market as part of the British Fashion Council’s Fashion Britain programme.
The surface textile element of the project challenged students to develop repeat patterns that captured the spirit of Newcastle, with the Blandford Street installation now giving some of those designs a new life in the heart of the city.
Helen Heath, Visual Communication Lecturer at Newcastle College, said: “The students were given a brief around the spirit of place and challenged to create a repeat pattern that celebrated everything about Newcastle.
“To now see their work displayed on Blandford Street is fantastic. It’s full of colour, local references and personality, and it gives our students the opportunity to see work they developed at College out in the real world for people to enjoy every day.”
The installation has also been welcomed by neighbouring business Pablo Eggs-Go-Bao, whose manager Aaron Morley said the artwork had transformed the area.
Aaron said: “Before we had these up, this area was a little bit drab and bleak, but all of this colour and pattern has made it a much nicer place to walk through and a nicer place to be.
“It’s breathed a fresh lease of life into the area. There are amazing illustrations and lots to look at, so it’s made it an altogether more inviting place.”
The latest installation continues Newcastle College’s focus on giving creative students opportunities to work on live projects, connect with industry and see their ideas move beyond the classroom and into public spaces.