Student artwork helps bring colour to streets across the centre of Bath

Original artwork created by students from four local schools and colleges has been installed across the centre of Bath as part of a summer street-dressing project.

Students and a teacher from LIFT Broadlands in front of their banners on New Bond Street | Photo © B&NES Council

Banners and bunting featuring designs by students from St Mark’s School, Hayesfield School, LIFT Broadlands and Bath College were put up earlier this month.

The initiative was led by Fashion Museum Bath and Bath & North East Somerset Council in partnership with The Holburne Museum, and aims to showcase the city’s emerging creative talent in public spaces.

Students produced the artwork during a series of practical workshops inspired by A Life in Print, The Holburne Museum’s exhibition celebrating the work of British designer Zandra Rhodes.

After taking part in a guided visit to the exhibition, the students joined artist-led printing and design sessions where they experimented with colour, pattern and personal expression.

Fashion Museum Bath selected a number of the resulting designs to be enlarged and displayed across the city’s streets.

The banners in place | Photo © B&NES Council

Councillor Kevin Guy, leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see the creativity of our young people brought to life across Bath’s streets.

“These installations add colour to the city and show how fashion can inspire our future generations’ creativity.

“This Fashion Museum Bath collaboration showcases how our cultural organisations and schools can work together to improve Bath for residents and visitors alike.”

Initial funding for the workshops was provided by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The project forms part of Fashion Museum Bath’s pre-opening learning programme, which is intended to build links with young people and provide opportunities to experience professional creative and design processes.

It will also help lay the groundwork for a forthcoming initiative called Fashion Is… Sketch. Print. Wear.

The twice-yearly design challenge will be aimed at Key Stage 3 to 5 students and will seek to create accessible routes into fashion and design.

The street installation is also part of wider regeneration work in Bath’s Milsom Quarter and has received support through the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority’s Bath High Street Renewal Programme.

West of England Mayor Helen Godwin said: “I’m delighted that our funding is helping to give more young people the chance to develop their creative talents, build new skills, and explore exciting careers in fashion and design.

“Zandra Rhodes is a true icon, lauded for her bold and vibrant concepts. This celebration of art, fashion, and imagination by Fashion Museum Bath will add even more colour to the city throughout the summer.”