In February,
Northumbria welcomed Lee Widdows, wife of
alumnus Vaughan Oliver 1957-2019, to meet the first student cohort and proud
recipients of the Vaughan Oliver Graphic Design Scholarships - in association
with 4AD.
Lee, hosted by
Senior Lecturer Andy Frith from Arts, Design and Social Sciences, conducted a
tour of the University Graphic Design workshops, where Vaughan had studied. In
attendance were the first year Graphic Design undergraduates and scholarship
recipients Mya, Ruby and Katie.
Mya
said: “Meeting Lee
for the first time was a wonderful experience, it was so nice to put a face to
a name. I had already researched her husband’s work and the amazing things that
he has produced. Lee told us lots of funny stories about Vaughan, which was
extremely heart-warming, making it a lot more personal which was lovely. It’s
clear to see how much this Scholarship programme means to everyone that
attended, especially Lee. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and can’t
wait for everyone to meet up again.”
Lee provided
insight into Vaughan’s upbringing, background, early design interests and
philosophies. She shared stories, accounts, and anecdotes to help set the
context for students and inspire them for their future studies and careers.
Lee
said: “It was an
absolute pleasure to meet the students, the first recipients of Vaughan
Oliver's Graphic Design Scholarships. I had a wonderful time and would like to
thank everyone for making my trip so enjoyable. I am so impressed with the
design facilities and encouraged to see that making is still at the heart of
teaching and learning at Northumbria. I look forward to a continued
relationship with both students and staff.”
Vaughan
Oliver was one of the most influential British Graphic
Designers and Art Directors of his generation.
Graduating
from Northumbria University, then known as Newcastle Polytechnic, in
1979, Oliver went on to earn a global reputation as a visionary in his field.
He
is perhaps best known for his work with independent record label 4AD; building
up an enviable portfolio of work for bands including Cocteau Twins, Pixies, The
Breeders, Throwing Muses, Scott Walker and Modern English, to name just a few.
Scholarship recipient Ruby said:
“This has been an extremely supportive opportunity which has helped me gain
access to many facilities that will help my designing ability grow, and I
greatly appreciated this opportunity. The fact that Lee can see our potential
and is helping to support us is a wonderful thing to be a part of.”
The scholarships reflect a ten year initiative to
support talented students from a widening participation background in the North
East of England. An initiative that reflects Vaughan Oliver’s own journey
into the design world and his personal agenda to support and inspire a new generation
of graphic designers that need financial help to achieve their artistic
dreams. The generosity of 4AD is in recognition of Vaughan Oliver’s
contribution to their company and the esteem in which he is held.
