The School of Art and Design official opening

2 December 2013

We welcomed the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside last week (27th November) to open The School of Art and Design. The School of Art and Design will house subjects such as fine art, graphics and textiles and will boost the aspirations of more than 250 students using the new facilities. The opening also comes as a new art, design and media foundation arts diploma is launched at the college, which aims to prepare students for university degree programmes.

The School of Art and Design was designed by former student Rachel Clegg of Wirral-based Ainsley Gommon Architects and boasts stunning views of the Liverpool skyline through full length windows, allowing for natural light throughout the building.

Dame Lorna Muirhead DBE, who has held this office since 2006, is Her Majesty The Queen’s personal representative in the county of Merseyside and as Lord Lieutenant is directed by Her Majesty to undertake duties on her behalf.

Dame Lorna was joined by the Mayor and Mayoress of Wirral Cllr Dave Mitchell and Mrs Sue Mitchell, Principal Kathryn Podmore and students to officially launch the college’s new arts building which is part of a £3.5million investment programme.

Dame Lorna unveiled a plaque to celebrate the opening and said: “What I have seen today is a glowing example of creativity and talent. It has been a pleasure to meet the students, to see their work first-hand and I wish them all the best for the future.

“The Sixth Form College – under the stewardship of Mrs Podmore and supported by the staff – is a beacon to all and I have no doubt that the college will continue to grow as a Centre of Academic Excellence for sixth form studies.”

Kathryn Podmore said: “This superb facility will make an immeasurable difference to the students here and will have an incredible impact on their studies, enhancing their enjoyment and allowing them to create more ambitious pieces of work.

“We have a superbly designed three-storey building with lots of space and modern facilities for our students – they now have much more scope and can work in a professional and aspirational environment.

“The college has some extremely talented young artists and designers and we aim to give them the best platform to achieve and aspire. To this end we are also launching the diploma, which means that Wirral arts students will not have to look further afield to access the qualification.

“Through the diploma we can consolidate the work already undertaken by our students and help them to take that extra step after their A-levels. With our experienced and knowledgeable tutors and modern facilities, the college is the best place on the Wirral for young people to study art and design.”