News Students Exhibit Work at Alexander Palace! 01.08.2019

Students’ work from Collyer’s  A-level Art, Art and Design BTEC and A Level Photography courses recently formed part of a national exhibition at Alexandra Palace. Joel Boyd, Elizabeth Harriss and George Herbert all submitted pieces under the theme of “Cloudland” and represented the Ofsted Outstanding institution at the Sixth Form Colleges Association (SFCA) celebration of excellence. The best work from sixth form colleges across the country was on display in the stunning East Court at Alexandra Palace.

Celebrating the opening of the theatre at Alexandra Palace, and in tandem with the current display on aeronautical pioneers, the Palace set the theme of “Cloudland” for the aspiring artists, asking them to consider the impact of science and technology on the work of the pioneers in the field. Students produced a wide variety of responses to this inventive theme.

Joel Boyd, who studies A-level Art, exhibited a complex digital drawing exploring an aerial view of London. Joel who will be leaving Collyer’s this summer to study Architecture at the University of Bath, was naturally drawn to the complexity of the buildings as seen from the new wing of the Tate Modern. His love of detail brought airships in to the image that reflected some of the construction used in the surrounding buildings. Joel said: “It is such a privilege to represent the college, when we have so many talented artists studying at Collyer’s. I have really enjoyed my time at Collyer’s they could not have been more supportive and I am thankful for their care in all my subjects. The East court is really quite stunning and I am happy that my work is on display is such architecturally compelling surroundings.”

Susie McAlister, Head of Art at Collyer’s, said: “The majority of those taking the creative subjects at Collyer’s continue to forge paths for themselves at university and in the creative fields beyond. There has never been a greater demand for our talented students and Joel exemplifies the committed, involved and hard-working students we have the pleasure of teaching. He will make an exceptional architect and we wish him well in his future studies.”

Elizabeth Harriss, currently studying the BTEC National Extended Diploma, has shown exceptional talent in her work.  She said: “I was so proud to be exhibiting my work; it’s cemented my decision to pursue a creative course at university.” A gifted painter, Lizzy produced a surrealist piece based upon the famous Ariel Pioneer, Dolly Shepard. Sharon Porter Head of BTEC Art, was delighted: “Lizzy has been able to capture something quite extraordinary in her painting. We are all so proud of Lizzy. She is an extremely talented young artist and will go far, of that I am sure.”

George Herbert, who studies A Level Photography, will be heading off to study a Foundation Course at Brighton Met. Laura Andrews, Head of Photography commented: “George has really worked hard this year. His compelling image was just one of many excellent pieces he produced this year.”