Students Weronika Wisz and Paul White pictured with art lecturer Bob Davison and Willans’ managing partner Bridget Redmond.
Lawyers from Gloucestershire law firm Willans LLP took a tour of the School of Art & Design Degree Show at the University of Gloucestershire Hardwick Campus last Friday to present cheques to a number of its second-year students.
Willans’ managing partner Bridget Redmond handed cheques to students who will use the money to put towards funding an art trip to Paris or on materials in exchange for the firm exhibiting pieces of art in one of its newly decorated meeting rooms at Imperial Square.
Before the artwork finds its home at Willans, some pieces will be displayed in a summer exhibition at The Wilson, Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum.
Bob Davison, senior lecturer of art at the University of Gloucestershire, said: “Willans were one of the first businesses to support us back in the early 1990s with the art loan scheme which spanned over 12 or so years. It’s great to have them supporting us once more, and for us to demonstrate the talent our students bring to the business community.”
The law firm first approached the university in the 1990s to assist with decorating its offices in return for providing bursaries to students. The artwork changed every year to coincide with the new intake of second year fine art students.
In 2003, Willans acquired its fourth office building on the square and displayed some of the student artwork for it’s opening party, as well as a number of pieces from lecturer Bob Davison. Willans purchased a number of them, including Bob’s work, which remains proudly displayed in its offices.
Bridget Redmond, managing partner, commented: “Willans are a long-time supporter of the arts and community-related events. We’re delighted to reignite our relationship with the university and its students. They’re very talented individuals and we look forward to hanging the pieces of art in our new meeting room in the coming months.”
The third-year student degree show is open to the public at The Park and Hardwick campuses until 21 June. More information can be found on Twitter via hashtag #uogdegreeshow2019 or on news page of the University’s website.
