Our Area has always been very active in supporting local educational establishments and is rightly proud that our Societies give financial support to students in the arts field. This support takes the form of awards to students and the institutions within the Area.
Currently we are supporting students at Bishopsland Educational Trust and at Bucks New University.
Bishopsland Educational Trust is a centre of excellence, near Henley on Thames, with an outstanding reputation spanning over twenty-six years. The charity provides the only postgraduate residential silversmithing course in the United Kingdom and helps newly-established self-employed jewellers and silversmiths develop their skills. Whilst at Bishopsland talented makers, many from disadvantaged backgrounds and overseas, are given important craft and professional skills training to enable them to work successfully. This integrated approach makes the centre unique, resulting in over seventy per cent of Bishopsland Fellows remaining in the industry.
All students have to pay for their art materials and 2022 we made one award to the Silver Fund, together with two awards to students. The first award was to Isabella Kelley for her candle holder using decorative lattice work to form a frame for the candle. The second award was given to Amber Doughty. Her fabricated vase is decorated with chasing, chiselling and engraving, and by using Keum boo for fusing gold onto it.
Bucks New University in High Wycombe, founded in 1891 as the School of Science and Art, offered evening classes to local residents. During the 20th century the School developed links with local crafts such as furniture making and cabinetry. In 1999 it was granted University College status by the Government, and named Bucks New University in 2007.
At Bucks New University in 2022 we gave three awards to two students in the Textiles and Surface Design Department: to James Tavell and Georgia Whitehead, and also funded an external lecturer.
Please go to gallery to see pictures of the award winners’ work
We have received grateful thanks from both the students and the institutions for our continued support. While the awards are helpful to the students financially, a mention of the award can be put into their CVs. This is one small way to promote The Arts Society, and more effective is the publicity given to The Arts Society in records and publications of these institutions.
Our societies will continue to support the award scheme.