A group of students from Fleetwood High School had an art lesson with a difference when they visited Blackpool and The Fylde College’s Gallery. Twenty year 10 GCSE and BTEC Art students made the trip to view ‘Images 34: Best of British Illustration”, which features a selection of work from the Association of Illustrators annual competition and is currently on tour from London.

For Art Teacher, Nicola Bradley-Elwell, it was a return to her artistic roots. She completed a foundation course in Art and a degree in Scientific Illustration at the Palatine Road site between 1997 and 2001.

She said:

“The students have been working on a graphic design and illustration brief this term and they’ve been designing book covers using Photoshop. This exhibition is the perfect inspiration for them – there are so many different styles and techniques on display.

“Of course it’s nice for me to come back to the College too – its changed a lot since I studied here. The facilities are amazing and there’s a much more modern, university feel to the campus.”

The students had the chance to look around the exhibition and were also taken on a tour of the University Centre, which has a large Art and Design department with specialist equipment and dedicated work space.

Student Ben Callighan, 14 said:

“I really like the exhibition, particularly the Al Pacino caricature. I feel inspired after seeing all this artwork and I think it will help me with my course.”

Classmate Chloe Barstow, also 14 added:

“My favourite picture is the Dairy Milk chocolate bar one – I like chocolate so I can relate to it! I think it’s eye catching and the artist has used an unusual technique. I’ve enjoyed my day visiting the College.”

The trip was arranged through the College’s School Liaison team and in addition to providing a relevant field trip, the visit allowed the pupils to get a feel for College life and see the facilities on offer.

School Liaison Officer Karen Davis added:

“It was a really successful trip all round. The students seemed to enjoy the exhibition and seeing the College and I hoped its proved useful for their schoolwork.”

Anyone wishing to view the exhibition can visit Blackpool and The Fylde College’s Gallery, University Centre on Monday to Friday from 9.00am-5.00pm, until Friday 4 March. Admission is free and School groups are welcome.