The recent collaboration between University Centre Somerset (UCS), the Museum of Somerset, and Taunton Brewhouse, has been hailed as a resounding success.
Showcasing the talent of Art & Design Foundation Diploma (FAD) students, the exhibition brought history to life through contemporary art. Students took inspiration from the Museum of Somerset’s collection, reinterpreting historical artefacts such as the Cheddar Brooch and Wellington Reredos using a range of artistic mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and textiles.
Esme Atkinson-Large took inspiration from Rachel Reckitt’s Greek Fishing Boat. Esme was drawn to the painting’s flowing shapes and bold complementary colours, which she abstracted into fabric-based art. She explored form through collaging Reckitt’s paintings, then used these studies to design and construct a garment that reimagined the original artwork in a completely new medium.
Visitors to the week-long exbition at Taunton Brewhouse enjoyed its blend of history, creativity, and innovation, and were captivated by how students transformed historical narratives into modern artistic expressions. The partnership has provided students with an invaluable opportunity to engage with heritage, fostering new connections between past and present.
Sean Pringle Kosikowsky, Manager of the Museum of Somerset, said,
“One of the Museum of Somerset’s main goals is to inspire people with local history and art. What better way to achieve this than by directly working with local students as the start of a body of work! It was such a great experience to see the seeds of exhibits digested and reformed into an incredibly diverse body of work. I am incredibly proud to have been a part of this project. It was a fantastic opportunity, and I hope the links forged will be used for many years to come.”
Richard Shaffner, Art & Design Foundation Diploma Course Leader, was also delighted with the project,
“I'm really proud of the work the students have produced in response to the incredible collection at the museum. This was the first time we’ve run this project, and the outcomes have been fantastic. Developing a relationship between Taunton’s three major cultural and heritage centres - the museum, the Brewhouse, and the College/University Centre - was especially important for me and the course. Seeing how enthusiastically the students embraced the project was incredible to see.”
Following this success, we are excited to continue working with the Museum of Somerset and Taunton Brewhouse, further strengthening the connection between art, education, and local history.
The Art & Design Foundation Diploma at the Taunton campus is a one-year course validated by University of the Arts London (UAL). It is the perfect preparation for a creative degree or employment in the creative industries. It is free to students who are under 19 at the start of the course. Find out more and apply here.