Last chance to see the Art and Design Show

Wed 25 June, 2014

An outfit made entirely out of McDonald’s packaging, a headless man, and cracked egg shells, are all among this year’s week-long Art and Design Degree Show, which opened with a bang on Thursday.

Industry experts, academics and the public were among the many guests who attended the opening of ‘14AD’ at the University of Bedfordshire’s School of Art and Design, which was followed by a bustling fashion show in an empty shop, transformed by Interior Design students, in The Mall.

The initial opening show was an eclectic wash of incredible work created by more than 200 third-year Art and Design students, who are studying subjects including:

ADVERTISING DESIGN – the work
ANIMATION – the work
ART AND DESIGN – the work
FINE ART – the work
GRAPHIC DESIGN – the work
ILLUSTRATION – the work
INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE – the work
INTERIOR DESIGN – the work
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO ART – the work

Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell was among the guests at the unique School on Guildford Street – a former 19^th century hat factory.

Following a tour of all the artwork created, the Vice Chancellor picked his 'best in show' award.

Taneesha Prince

Art and Design student Taneesha Prince won the Amazon vouchers for her ‘Finding the Light’ series of photographs, which focus on empty spaces.

Her work shows a derelict, unoccupied building in Luton, and Taneesha, 22, said she was “honoured and very surprised” to win.

Awards were also presented to this year’s top Fashion Design students, who were among those demonstrating the best of their work on the catwalk at 7pm.

Guests filled a packed shop in Luton’s The Mall and many other attendees queued outside just to get a glimpse of the show. Model on catwalk at Fashion Show

Opening the event Mr Rammell said: “This year's Degree Show is the culmination of a succession of great exhibitions in art and design’s new home.

“The work on show reflects the maturity, professionalism and meticulousness in display of the final year students; attributes, attitudes and ambitions that forge their employability and enterprise.

“In 2014 our students have been short-listed for the prestigious Penguin Book design award, and the Transport for London Poster competition, and have had successful exhibitions of their work in London, Milton Keynes Art Gallery and invited to exhibit in the headquarters of the Bank Of China in London.”

Colin Davies, Head of the School, added: “The show captures a new age in art and design at the University. The work is confident, comedic, serious, political and personal; above all, it reflects a 100% commitment by the students.

“It is creative thinking that ignites the ideas and innovation essential for enterprise and entrepreneurial spirit. A legacy, which makes the University of Bedfordshire graduates a powerful force in all fields of commerce and industry.” Colin Davies