Newman College students get creative for Taylor Patterson

Preston-based financial advisory group Taylor Patterson has been working with Cardinal Newman College to commission artwork for its offices at Lanson House near Winckley Square.

Taylor Patterson approached the college’s art department to produce some unique pieces for its recently refurbished offices, and year 12 students on the Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Art and Design course were challenged to get creative with the theme of ‘My Surroundings’.

Students experimented with a wide variety of materials, techniques and processes to develop innovative ideas for the project. They explored drawing, painting, photography, mixed media, printmaking and embroidery to develop personal responses to the task.

Aimee Gilfoyle, course leader, said: “Producing artwork for Taylor Patterson has given each of our students a fantastic opportunity to experience working for a client in a professional context.

“The BTEC Diploma in Art and Design is a vocational course and it has been an extremely valuable experience for all our students to work to the constraints and requirements of a real design brief. Every student has worked hard to produce a professional piece and it was a privilege to showcase the work to Taylor Patterson.”

Managing director, Gillian Bardin, and director, Louise Potter, were invited to the college recently to select a shortlist of eleven, which will feature in the offices at Taylor Patterson. One winner will be selected to receive a prize and also feature in the next edition of the firm’s corporate publication, The Adviser. Louise said: “As Lanson House was previously owned by the college, we hope that the artwork will create a visible link between the two organisations as well as provide valuable experience for the students themselves. We’ve been overwhelmed by the response, and picking one winner will be very difficult.”