Art School Official Opening

The Sixth Form College, Solihull today official opening its newest building today, with the unveiling of the brand new Art & Design School.

Paul Normansell, a former student of the College and now a successful artist, returned to the College as guest of honour, joining local dignitaries, staff and students for the event. Paul is best known for designing the artwork for popular music band The Killers’ album "Day & Age" as well as their single "Human".

Paul (pictured above with the Mayor and Mayoress of Solihull, Principal Paul Ashdown and Chair of Governors David Nixon), who studied an Advanced GNVQ in Art & Design at the College from 1995 to 1998, was delighted to return to his roots.

"It’s great to be back at the College," he said. "I have fond memories of my time at the College and its great to see some of the staff who used to teach me. Things have changed quite a bit since I was at the College and this new building is excellent for the current students.

"Since leaving the College I have enjoyed some success and since I got the commission to work on the album cover for The Killers, everything has changed for me. That piece won a Rolling Stone award for best artwork and the band has commissioned me to do some more work for them, which is fantastic."

Paul brought a piece of his latest artwork with him (right).

The Mayor and Mayoress of Solihull were also present to view the excellent new facilities and enjoy an extensive exhibition of student artwork on display.

Other guests included representatives from the contractors responsible for designing and building the Art & Design School. This included representatives from Speller Metcalfe, Gould Singleton, Phoenix Beard, Bridges Pound, Dunwoody, Derek Evans and the Learning and Skills Council, who part funded the project.

Ian Clayden, Head of Art at the College, commented: "Today has been a chance to celebrate not only the fantastic new facilities that we have for students wishing to study Art, Graphics and Textiles, but also to applaud the students’ exceptional artwork, which has been on display for everyone to enjoy. We are grateful to everyone who worked so hard to make this possible."