Blackburn College Art & Design show creates 'Wow' factor

The Further Education students paraded on a catwalk and asked a large crowd to ‘Get a Taste’ of their talent at the ‘Pick and Mix’ Art, Design and Media show.

Their display was at the Beacon Centre where there was standing room only with art and sculpture exhibitions on the upper floors and the students’ creations were also on sale.

The University Centre students entitled their show ‘Insight’ and there were sculptures, fashion and even a portrait of Principal Ian Clinton, completed by BA Fine Art student Mariam Iqbal, on display at UCBC and the Victoria Building.

Level 3 Extended Diploma in Fashion and Textiles student Salilha Akku said a trip to Paris as part of her studies was the inspiration for her catwalk designs.

Salilha, 18, from Blackburn, said: “My inspiration was from flowers on a trip to Paris and all their layers. I also like vintage wedding dresses so I used a mixture of both.”

Another Fashion and Textiles student Molly Smith said: “It was really fun working on the fashion show but it was a bit rushed wondering whether everyone would get onto the catwalk on time but we managed it.

“I enjoyed doing the show and I am learning a lot on my course. I would like to go to university and study fashion buying.”

UCBC student Chesca Tudda, 22, has just completed a BA (Hons) Contemporary Textiles degree.

“I have learnt such a lot on my degree course – it’s inspired me to want to learn even more about fashion.”

Students from Art and Design, Textiles and Fashion, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Music, Media Production and Photography showed off their work in a private show and the public can see it the students’ hard work until July 5 from 9.30am-4pm.

Lisa O’Loughlin, Deputy Principal, said: “This annual show is a highlight of the Art and Design students’ calendar and the culmination of much hard work and commitment from all our students.

“It was a chance for the students to showcase the original, innovative and inspiring work that they have produced. It certainly had the ‘wow’ factor.”

Blackburn College