Ahead of the Middlesbrough campus Summer Show launching an emotionally charged awards ceremony saw the presentation of a series of awards recognising academic and creative excellence across the School’s programmes by The Northern School of Art’s Principal, Dr Martin Raby, and The Northern School of Art Governor, Ian Swain.

All those nominated for an award received a certificate to display on their exhibition stand and winners and runners up were presented with a certificate and prize.

Read on for detail of the award winners and runners up

• Governors’ Award – Winner: Rose Richardson, UAL ED Graphic Design

The Governors’ Award is given to the student who has the most impressive work and whose work is regarded as being the ‘Best in Show’.

Nominating comments about Rose’s work highlighted the exceptional work that Rose put into her Final Major Project (FMP) which “in four weeks, produced what would be expected for the full duration of the FMP, which has been executed to a professional standard that would be seen within the design industry.”

Two students were selected to receive a joint runner-up prize:

– Fenton Ray Daggett

Fenton’s nomination highlighted how “extremely hard” he worked “throughout his Final Major Project (FMP)” and that “it has been fantastic to watch him create such a strong piece of work” to make “an extremely creative outcome and a fully realised project” that is “a great project overall”.

– Stuart Hunter 

Stuart’s nomination noted how he is “an exceptional student and has been driven by a passion not only for film but in his pursuit to better himself, develop new skills and learn new knowledge all of which is poured into creating outstanding and skilled pieces of work.”

Nominees for this award included:

Ella MacDoughall – Foundation Diploma, Mollie Petrie – UAL ED Art & Design L3, Heidi Jones – UAL ED Textiles, Louis Sanderson – UAL ED Fashion, Daisy Neary – A-Level Pathway, Ellie McGuire -UAL ED Interior, Architecture and Product Design (3D), Ella Jones – UAL Art & Design Level 2, Maria Pirjol – UAL ED Fine Art, Harry France – UAL ED Illustration & Animation, Ellie Murphy – UAL ED Photography,

Principal’s Award – Winner: Robbie Keenan – Access to HE

Robbie’s nomination for the award noted that in spite of facing major health issues “he has gone from strength to strength and has developed the skills required to progress to a BA Hons degree in Photography.”

The nomination added that “it has been a real pleasure to see Robbie develop his confidence and independence over the year and … overcome so many obstacles to pursue the career he wanted to pursue 18 years ago.”

Three students were selected as joint runners up:

– Lucy Chidley

Lucy’s nomination noted how “With a determined attitude, Lucy has showcased her ability not only as a designer, but also her personal development into becoming a confident, professional young adult, of which, she should be proud.”

– Katie Brown

The nominating comments noted that “Katie has striven and dedicated herself to achieving at the very height of her ability. She has ever been an exemplary student in terms of manners and general conduct, and  will be sorely missed.”

– Cally Packard

Cally’s nominating comments noted that “with true determination and grit (Cally style) she has continued to have a great attitude and attendance over the last two years. She has come into every lesson with a smile on her face and a fab personality ready to take on the day. We are really proud of everything Cally has achieved over the last two years at The Northern School of Art.”

Nominees included: Juliette Harvey – Foundation Diploma, PI Wood – UAL ED Art & Design L3, Ace LLoyd – UAL ED Textiles, Liam Adam – UAL ED Fashion, River Slade – UAL Art & Design Level 3, Orion Jozki – UAL ED Fine Art, Lilly Carol – UAL ED Illustration & Animation, Mia Ellerby – UAL ED Photography and Reid Stasiak – UAL ED Film.

• Photography Awards

These two awards are in memory of much-loved photography colleagues and are awarded to learners that show the outstanding qualities that our colleagues held dear.

Tim Leah-Adams Award – Technical Excellence in Photography – Winner: Daniel Small, UAL Extended Diploma in Photography

Daniel’s nomination for the award noted that “Daniel excels within all things technical when it comes to photographic practice. This year Daniel won the first photograph of the term competition with his experimental lighting and then came runner up in the second competition. As for technical ability, Daniel understood he was unable to locate a spool for the film when working with expired APS film, he then designed and 3D printed his own spool.

“Soon afterwards, Daniel designed and built his own DIY medium format camera, a clear demonstration of technical excellence. For his Final Major Project he made contact with local industrial firm SABIC to document the factory in a way that spoke of 80s sci-fi classics such as Blade Runner, showcasing the aesthetic quality of local industry.”

Daniel was pleased with his win commenting, “I was well chuffed when I won I’m going to put the prize money towards a new lens for my mirrorless camera.”

Jan Secker Award for Passion and Productivity in Photography – Award – Winner: Gracie Bell, UAL Extended Diploma in Photography

Ellie’s nomination for the award noted that: “Gracie has demonstrated a creative approach to photography that crosses boundaries between non-digital processes and methods found within fine art. She has created strong bonds between her peers and her tutors, building a network of creative communication and support.

“Outside of her academic studies, Gracie, has recently started working for a local photographic studio as well as starting her own photographic business. She made it to the third round for an apprenticeship for Channel 4 but has instead decided to stay with The Northern School of Art to attend the Foundation year.”

Speaking of winning the award Gracie said, “I was overwhelmed but happy when I found out about the award and being nominated, and winning the award. I have proved to myself and the people around me how well I can achieve academically, despite the struggles I have faced in and out of college, I don’t want my struggles to define me, I want to let my artwork speak for itself.”

• Library Award – Winner: Emma Porter, A Levels

The nomination for the award noted that it was awarded to a student who had made excellent use of the Library’s print/electronic information resources in support of their course work.

Emma’s nomination noted that “Emma has used the Library consistently throughout the year and stands out as the most conscientious student to the Library Staff.”

Further information about the range of college level creative courses on offer at The Northern School of Art’s Middlesbrough campus is HERE