Lancaster based design studio Big Torch is putting the finishing touches to a year-long exhibition celebrating the history of the University of Cumbria.
The exhibition reveals the educational roots of the University which date back to Charlotte Mason’s House of Education in the 1800’s. The design takes visitors through the development of the Carlisle College of Art, St Martin’s College and the Lakeland College of Nursing all the way through to the creation of the University in 2007.
Speaking about the project, alumni relations officer Joanne Lusher said “We are delighted with the exhibition. The University of Cumbria is 10 years old – but we can trace the history of the colleges that made up the institution back hundreds of years. Our campuses play a huge part in the lives of the communities that they serve; the staff, students and local public, so we want to celebrate that with a timeline that allows everyone to add their own stories.”
The University commissioned Big Torch to devise the design for the exhibition back in summer 2017 to coincide with the 10th anniversary. Creative Director Steve Daniels came up with a design that combined bold colours, archive imagery, illustrations and video to try and tell the story of the university in an engaging way.
Steve said “it’s tricky to get all the magic in the bottle, as the University has such a rich story to tell – but I think we’ve done it. A key part of the design is definitely the interactive element. Everyone is encouraged to share their thoughts about the University, and it’s great to hear the stories of students and staff alike.”
Initially the exhibition was only intended to be temporary. But it’s proving to be such a success that the University asked Big Torch to re-work the design to be made permanent. The exhibition is now showing in all 4 northern campuses for the duration of the 10th anniversary year.
Steve continued “To have the exhibition expanded and made permanent is testament to just how well the idea is being received at the University. I’m proud to help the University bring their heritage to life, and I’d like to thank them for trusting Big Torch to make that happen.”
Joanne summed up the project by saying, “I love seeing colleagues and students enjoying the exhibition, discovering new facts and sharing their memories. The University of Cumbria is very proud of its long history, and having this exhibition on each of our campuses allows us to share this history in a really visual way with prospective students and campus visitors.”
The exhibition continues in Lancaster, 2 locations in Carlisle and Ambleside throughout 2018.
