In May 2016, Pendleton Sixth Form College, and in particular its Graphic Design Department, was engulfed by a fire, fought by eight fire crews, and its main design classroom was ruined...
Now, the department has risen from those ashes and been transformed, with state-of-the-art computers, printers, projectors and furniture that, the College states, "would be the envy of any design studio".
To mark its re-opening, this Tuesday 21st November, the Salford college is hosting a special exhibition celebrating ten years of success within the department, displaying work by former students who have since gone on to have successful careers in graphic design. The 'alumni' include an animator at Aardman studios, a UX designer at the BBC and a published children's author and illustrator.
Former students will also be presenting talks on their careers and advising current and potential students on how to get in, and get on, within the industry.
"The wheels for this event started turning when we had the fire, as many of our former students got in touch to offer their support" explains David Holcroft, who has taught graphic design at Pendleton for ten years
"It was lovely to know that so many of our former students look back on their time at Pendleton with such fondness and credit us with giving them the start they needed for their careers to really take off" he adds "We therefore thought it would be a nice opportunity to have an official opening of the studio as well as a celebration all of their success."
Rachel Jarvis, Curriculum Leader for Creative Arts and Design, who has also been at Pendleton for a decade, says: "We are extremely proud of our former students and all they have accomplished since leaving college and are very excited to be bringing them all back together to listen to their stories and celebrate their work in this fantastic exhibition. This is a must see show for any aspiring designers or anyone interested in creative arts and design..."
Pendleton Graphic Design Alumni Exhibition
Tuesday 21st November from 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Pendleton Sixth Form College, Room C1 (top floor)
Dronfield Road M6 7FR
Anyone who is interested in a career in the creative industries can go along. Just let them know you are going. See the Pendleton Sixth Form College Facebook event page for further details – click here