Students' work exhibited at iconic London store

Work created by The Creative Dimension Trust (TCDT) students is now on display at iconic Fortnum & Mason's London Piccadilly store until 18th September 2022.

TCDT offers free online and in-venue workshops, taught by world-class craft specialists, to 14–19-year-olds who wish to develop their hand skills. TCDT aims to have 80% of participants from less advantaged backgrounds and direct recruiting is at targeted schools.

The window display includes an intense deep sea backdrop with intricate eel, octopus and jellyfish architectural models, depicting a futuristic view of life undersea. Shimmering glass and enamel fish dance around in deep water while extraordinary brightly coloured glass coral lace lie on the seabed. The work was created by students during workshops held at Allford Hall Monaghan Morris Architects (London), The Goldsmiths' Centre (London), Zone Creations Ltd (London) and National Glass Centre (Sunderland).

TCDT students have demonstrated the potential to forge a career pathway where precise hand-eye coordination and an understanding of 3-dimensional shapes are prerequisite. Alumni have gone on to pursue careers in architecture, engineering, fine art, jewellery making, art conservation, glass working, theatre design, fashion, and costume design. Student work from TCDT workshops is used to support applications for further education and jobs.

Students from four different TCDT workshops came together to develop this collaboration:

− The architectural models were constructed in workshops at Allford Hall Monaghan Morris Architects 

(AHMM). Students benefitted from one-to-one guidance from AHMM’s head model maker. 

− The wonderful deep sea fish and coral lace were cut and blended at the fused glass workshop at the 

National Glass Centre in Sunderland.

− The brightly coloured enamelled fish on silver were created by students under the tutelage of award 

winning Tomiko Ravn at a workshop at The Goldsmiths’ Centre. 

− The backdrop was created by students with internationally renowned fresco painter Sarah Hocombe 

at a Painting Techniques workshop at leading multidisciplinary design and fabrication company Zone 

Creations Ltd.

The collaboration was brought together by TCDT Trustee Simon Costin, a set designer who brings the creativity of art installation to editorial and fashion shows alike. His clients have included Alexander McQueen, H&M, Valentino, Gucci, YSL and Faberge.

Penny Bendall, TCDT Founder and CEO, comments, “The chance to exhibit work in a window display at the iconic Fortnum & Mason has been an unforgettable experience for the students – which also provided fantastic one-off additions to their portfolios. The theme forced students to think about living undersea, and they rose to the challenge by producing results of a high standard. Many, many thanks to Fortnum & Mason and everyone else involved.”