The sun shines for Plymouth College of Art Graduation

The sun came out on Saturday 8 October as over 150 proud Plymouth College of Art students attended their Graduation ceremony at the Plymouth Guildhall.

This year the Graduation ceremony was moved to an autumn schedule attracting a record number of graduating students. In all 700 people attended the celebration with VIP guests including the Lord and Lady Mayoress and the Mace Bearer.

Dr Dena Attar from the Open University conferred the degrees and Plymouth College of Art Principal Andrew Brewerton addressed this year’s graduates saying after the ceremony: “It was a brilliant reunion of high-achieving creative graduates who received their awards in the delightful company of David McKee. With the British Art Show in town, it was quite a party.”

The South West region has a thriving community of artists and Andrew Brewerton added: “There is so much creative talent coming out of Plymouth College of Art and Plymouth University, but the city hasn’t yet found a means of retaining all this higher skill in its creative economy.”

Devon-born children’s book illustrator David McKee was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate from the Open University. David began selling one-off cartoons while he was a student at Plymouth College of Art in the 1950’s. He then went on to originate many well-known and much-loved characters, developing book series including Mr. Benn and King Rollo, which later became a series of films.

Among the graduates receiving their degrees was 49-year-old BA Applied Arts student Jeanette Ward from Sidmouth. Being awarded first class honours was a particularly poignant moment for Jeanette who was diagnosed with breast cancer during her second year.

She said: “When I was first diagnosed the College offered me the chance to take a break but I didn’t want to sit at home worrying, I wanted to carry on. So the College worked hard to make that possible for me and to support me and I am so very glad and proud of myself.”

Jeanette, who specialises in making high-end enamel jewellery, is now heading for a bright future. She caused a stir recently as one of the stand-out exhibitors at New Designers, attracting the national media spotlight and featuring in The Goldsmith Magazine. She is also preparing for a series of high profile exhibitions over the coming months.

Following the ceremony the graduates and their proud families gathered outside to pose for photographs in their gowns and there was a celebratory reception at The Treasury with entertainment provided by singer Dede James.

For more information visit http://www.plymouthart.ac.uk/