Talented art students in Blackpool have brought the style of vintage seaside posters bang up to date to show the changing face of the town - as part of a unique new campaign run by Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre Economic Development Company (BFW EDC).

The project has seen two students from Blackpool and the Fylde College working closely with BFW EDC to produce pictures which mirror classic images from Blackpool’s past - but with a twist – featuring high-profile elements of the regeneration going on in the town.

Graham Haywood, Interim Chief Executive of BFW EDC, said: “This has been a fascinating project which has led to the creation of some striking images which really are a credit to the students involved.

“BFW EDC is working hard on behalf of residents, visitors , investors and entrepreneurs to continue the regeneration of Blackpool and the wider Fylde Coast. We have an ambitious regeneration programme in place and are committed to ensuring Blackpool is a year-round destination of choice for visitors and a great place to invest and do business.”

The images have been created by BA (Hons) Graphic Design student Jayne Walsh and Robert Mountcastle, studying for a BA (Hons) Illustration, who painstakingly produced the images after researching the regeneration which has taken place in the town and seeing what they could fit into the images they eventually created.

The first of the images – created by Robert, is based around the style of the old railway posters produced in the 1920’s and 30’s. His picture features the new Spanish steps which have been created and run down to the beach on the seafront along with the curved railings which have been put in place and one of the chrome lighting arches from Birley Street.

He said:

“The image is my version of the famous railway posters which were created back in the 1920’s and 30’s, so it retains some of their style but incorporates a more modern feel – such as the railings and the lighting arch. The figures have also been brought up to date with a cyclist strolling along the prom and the lady in a dress rather than the bathing suit you would probably have seen in an older style poster, its unmistakeably Blackpool though as the tower dominates the image.”

Jayne’s vision of the seafront shows two girls relaxing on the seafront and includes the new curved railings which have been erected on the promenade, the giant mirrorball which has been installed at South Shore on the seafront and the metallic curving sculpture from the revitalised St Johns Square which is now home to many thriving businesses.

She said:

“What I wanted to do was incorporate something from the past into the image while bringing it bang up to date with some of the latest developments which have taken place in Blackpool. The image shows a mix of the best of the old and new in the town with the tower and one of the piers reflected in the giant mirrorball behind the girls. I wanted to show in my image how the town is changing through its regeneration programme but retaining some of what Blackpool is iconically known for like the tower and its golden mile”

The striking images are now set to be displayed on the BFW EDC photoblog and uploaded onto Facebook – they may also be used for marketing purposes aimed at attracting inward investment into the area.

Pauline Waterhouse OBE, Principal of Blackpool and Fylde College said:

“Our Art and Design students have been able to really explore their creativity during this project and I’m delighted BFW EDC is happy with the quality of work they have produced. Blackpool is a town with a rich history and a bright future and we are proud to be a part of it.”

A photo blog – featuring exclusive, never-before-seen images - has also been launched by regeneration chiefs to help illustrate the changes which have taken place in the town over the past decade and continue to take place.

To find out more visit http://blog.reblackpool.com/