» The Burt, Brill and Cardens graduate Show 2008
Over 500 students from the University of Brighton are set to showcase their work from 31 May to 5 June at the acclaimed Burt, Brill and Cardens Graduate Show 2008.
Elizabeth Thomas
An annual highlight of the arts calendar for the South, the university’s renowned Faculty of Arts and Architecture is transformed into a massive gallery displaying work in a staggering range of medias and subject areas from 25 courses.
Attracting over 15,000 visitors each year, the graduate show is accompanied by a bumper programme of activities in the university garden, including the much talked about Graduate Fashion Show on Saturday 31 May (tickets are required). A free Family Day will take place on Sunday 1 June with the return of the hugely popular Big Knit, where novices and pros come together with their knitting needles. This year will also give families the chance to enter Has Brighton Got Talent? – a talent contest presented by the Brighton theatre group, Waggingtongues. There are also special pre-booked art tours organised for local schools during the week – a great way to inspire young people about a career in the creative industries.
Elizabeth Thomas
The university prides itself on producing some of the UK’s most talented artists and designers. Past graduates include legendary Biba designer Barbara Hulanicki and Turner Prize-winners Keith Tyson and Rachel Whiteread. Fashion graduate Julien Macdonald was voted British Designer of the Year 2001 and Gresham Blake has become a modish tailor to style-conscious stars and was listed in Time Out as one of Brighton’s new wave of entrepreneurs. Keren Craig has also had outstanding success as one half of fashion duo Marchesa, the British couture label and a must-have brand among Hollywood celebrities.
Top left: Hanna Jenkinson, top right: Karen Lambourne, bottom left: Amy Graham, bottom right: Helena Dunn
This is an ideal opportunity to discover the next generation of budding artists. You can explore exhibits, commission artwork or build an art collection from students before they become stars.
The Burt, Brill and Cardens Graduate Show 2008, University of Brighton, Grand Parade Saturday 31 May to Thursday 5 June.
Designers of the future
The University of Brighton showcases the talent of its recent graduates
Thomas Forsyth
Among the many schools exhibiting their work this year is the School of Architecture and Design, unveiling innovative new trends in building design in the extensive show of drawings and models. The designs of Nick Wheeler bring rural and urban landscapes together.
Fashion and textiles student Helena Dunn, who has just secured a job in New York with American Eagle, uses zips and seams decoratively against delicate wool jerseys, silks and hard-wearing denims in her womenswear collection. Her sophisticated conceptual approach to dress design takes inspiration from her nine-month work placement with Hussein Chalayan.
Other emerging fashion talents include Amy Graham who following placements at See By Chloe, has been offered a junior design position with Abercrombie and Fitch in America. Textile design student Haidee Foy recently scooped the coveted woven fabric award in the Bradford Textiles Society design competition.
The ever-popular wood, metal, ceramics and plastics course adds yet another dimension to this exhibition of fresh talent. See Japanese inspired stop-frame animations exploring elements of surprise with intricate wooden and paper props by Elizabeth Thomas, while Thomas Forsyth’s mischievous connecting toys will challenge preconceptions towards rules within adult play.
Photography student and former farmer, Willie Robb, has based his work on the ailing agricultural industry in Perth, where he used to farm. His work includes portraits, landscapes, interiors and still life.
For more information about studying at the university or attending the shows go to www.brighton.ac.uk.
People’s Art Award
Burt, Brill and Cardens’ support gives you the chance to vote for the winner of the 2008 People’s Art Award
Burt, Brill and Cardens’ David Edwards proudly reintroduces the University of Brighton Graduate Show’s prize – the People’s Art Award sponsored by Latest Homes and Juice 107.2. Back by popular demand for the second year running, the prize will be awarded to a successful graduate from the university’s Faculty of Arts and Architecture.
David heads one of Brighton’s most reputable and long-standing firms of solicitors, Burt, Brill and Cardens, which has been sponsoring the University of Brighton degree shows for the past 13 years. The firm’s support has enabled it to become one of the main highlights in the city’s cultural calendar, attracting over 15,000 visitors over five days.
David’s enthusiastic support has ensured that every graduating artist and designer is given the invaluable opportunity to showcase their talent. Indeed without Burt, Brill and Cardens’ long-standing loyalty, the massive public exhibition of work could not exist.
David acknowledges his company’s integral role. “It’s so important to nurture artistic talent, especially in a world where creative expression can be eclipsed by monetary value. If we can, in a small way, help launch students out of training and education and into an activity where their passion can actually support them, then we are very excited about that,” he says.
“When I visit the degree shows, I am consistently impressed by the variety and quality of work, in particular the passionate ideas and thought processes that drive the work.”
Burt, Brill and Cardens’ commitment to raising the profile of significant students’ achievements is demonstrated by its investment in important awards, including the People’s Art Award, which is backed by Latest Homes and Juice 107.2. The People’s Art Award will invite the general public to vote for their favourite graduate’s work.
“The People’s Art Award is a great opportunity for every visitor to say which piece they like – which may be quite different to work selected from the academic staff at the university,” David explains. “I think people will have a pretty good view of what is a great piece of art or design. Indeed, the collective wisdom has a great deal going for it! I’m really looking forward to seeing what people think.”
You can take part in the Burt, Brill and Cardens People’s Art Award by filling in a voting card available at the university reception on Grand Parade.The award will be presented to the winning student on Thursday 5 June and an interview will be broadcast on Juice 107.2.You can also read about the winner and see a portfolio of their work in Latest Homes.
Programme of events:
Burt, Brill and Cardens Graduate Show 2008: University of Brighton, Grand Parade, Saturday 31 May-Thursday 5 June, Saturday and Sunday 12-6pm, Monday-Wed 10am-8pm, Thursday 10am-4pm, free.
Fashion Show: Saturday 31 May, doors open 8:30pm, 9pm start, tickets £10.
Please contact the University of Brighton for all tickets on 01273 644099.
Above: Nick Wheeler
