Nescot (North East Surrey College of Art and Technology) Art and Digital Design students’ artwork is on display at Ewell East Station as part of Art@theStation, a national initiative by The Arts Society to showcase work by budding artists in station waiting rooms and public walkways.
Commissioned by The Arts Society Epsom and funded by Southern’s parent company, Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), this is the second collaboration with Nescot’s Art and Digital Design students. The first commission in 2024 features the college’s students’ artwork at Epsom Station.
Level 3 Art and Digital Design students were tasked with producing portrait artworks based on the theme, ‘Sense of Place – Ewell’ featuring iconic landmarks of Ewell Village using bold silhouettes and bright colours. Creations by four students, Jess, Emma, Cate and Sarah were selected for display at Ewell East Station. All four students were each awarded a certificate and a cash prize of £25 for their achievements.
Student, Sarah whose artwork features Bourne Hall Museum, shared: “One of the highlights for me was working as a team, just like in the art industry, sharing ideas and collaborating creatively. The skills I’ve gained at college, especially in using digital software, have been invaluable for my project. Our tutor has been incredibly supportive, guiding us and helping us bring our poster designs to life.”
Student Cate’s design focuses on Bourne Hall Park and the historic Dog Gate entrance, she added: “I wasn’t expecting to be selected, so I was thrilled when I found out. It was very interesting researching the historical elements behind our artwork. Seeing my piece displayed in a public space is a proud moment for me. It’s a great addition to my CV and will definitely help with my next steps. My parents are incredibly proud too!”
Students, Jess and Emma, whose artwork features landmarks from Ewell Village said that working on the project was really useful in developing their digital design skillset. They said that it was great working together as a group on the project as they all work really well together.
Miles Merritt, Nescot Art and Digital Design Tutor Demonstrator commented: “This has been a brilliant opportunity for our students to gain exposure and confidence. The artwork project has provided them with valuable work experience, working to a professional brief and deadline and learning new design software skills. It’s given them the chance to enhance their portfolios as they prepare for further study, whether continuing to Level 4 at Nescot or progressing to university.
“We’re incredibly grateful to The Arts Society Epsom for their continued support and for providing our students with a platform to showcase their creativity. We look forward to collaborating on future projects.”
Angie Child from The Arts Society Epsom and Project Lead for Art@theStation said: “I am delighted with the graphic designs based on Ewell Village, created by Cate, Emma, Jess and Sarah for the platform shelter at Ewell East Station. They followed the brief set out and brought out fantastic colours to otherwise neutral buildings and motifs, giving the artwork impactful clarity and zing.
“Having been working in the arts for many years, I was impressed with their mature approach to commercial design. When speaking to each of them, it was clear they were focused and keen to pursue Graphic Design and Fine Art after completing their course at Nescot. Thanks to Miles Merritt who worked tirelessly with the students and liaised with me on this project. I look forward to working with them again in the near future.”
This support to young budding artists is an ongoing initiative set up by The Arts Society in London in collaboration with the railways throughout Great Britain of which The Arts Society Epsom is proud to be involved with, see https://theartssociety.org/epsom
Discover Nescot’s Art and Digital Design courses on our website.
