Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) recently held an exclusive viewing of the Jerwood Drawing Prize and a showcase of student drawings to raise awareness of the University’s new Drawing Studio Appeal. The anticipated Drawing Studio has been endorsed by David Hockney who was announced on the night as the prestigious patron of the new building.
In dialogue surrounding his patronage David described his eagerness to support the new Drawing Studio and stated why the facility is so important to young artists, saying: “You know I believe it is always back to the drawing board. If you want to make a new kind of picture, like the caveman it still has to be drawn.”
Professor Stuart Bartholomew CBE, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the Arts University Bournemouth said: “We are extremely privileged to have the esteemed David Hockney as our patron of the new Drawing Studio; his relevance to the building is undeniable as he intrinsically understands the importance it will have for our students. Our intention is to provide students with a new space in which drawing can be taught and practised. We are also keen to reassert the centrality of drawing to the courses we offer.”
The design for the studio has been completed by the architect Professor Sir Peter Cook who is an alumnus of the institution having studied architecture there in the 1950s. Peter was the founder of the Archigram movement and whilst he is recognised for buildings internationally, (most notably the Kuntshaus Graz), there are no buildings by him in the UK. This is therefore an iconic project for him.
The condition of the room will celebrate four aspects of light – central themes in looking and drawing to include a large north-light in the studio tradition, a rear clerestory that throws a softer light back from the rear wall, a discrete and even softer light that filters from beneath the bench on the east side and, finally, a graded wash of light that comes along the curve of the entrance porte clochere via the glass entrance door.
It is hoped the Appeal will raise up to £1million towards the cost of the Drawing Studio. Those interested in potential naming sponsorships or donations should contact Sheila Hall at Arts University Bournemouth (shall@aub.ac.uk or 01202 363203).
