Last chance to see record breaking Degree Show

Published On Fri 29 May 2015 by Roddy Isles

This weekend is the last chance to see the record-breaking University of Dundee Art, Design & Architecture 2015 Degree Show.

The Degree Show has already reached new highs by attracting well in excess of 10,000 visitors over the course of the past week, including over 5500 people on the opening night.

The show has also been viewed by people in more than 20 countries around the world via live streaming of events online.

They have all been attracted to see the work of around 300 students as the University's Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design buildings are turned into Scotland's largest exhibition space for ten days.

“It has been an absolutely fantastic Degree Show this year,” said Professor Paul Harris, Dean of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design. “We have had unprecedented numbers of visitors, including hundreds of school pupils from across Scotland, and the feedback from them has been extremely positive.

“There are fantastic exhibits right across the breadth of subjects, from animation and architecture, through jewellery, product, digital and textile design, to fine art and illustration. The praise from external examiners of the students’ work has been very high, which is always very satisfying.”

The success of Degree Show has a major impact on the city. It is estimated the Show generates around £1.5million for the local economy as visitors occupy hotel rooms and visit the city’s bars, restaurants and cafes.

“Degree Show is now firmly established as a major event in the city’s calendar and highlights the flow of bright, creative talent through Dundee,” said Professor Harris. “I am sure people are already looking forward to seeing what next year’s crop of graduates can produce, while we wish the class of 2015 the very best for the future.”

One of the exhibits visitors can see focuses on the dramatic story of the sinking of a cargo vessel captained by Heather Colvin’s great-great-grandfather more than 100 years ago.

Heather Colvin’s relative Captain John Nichol was in charge of The Glencairn as it sailed to Seattle in 1907 carrying a cargo of cement. The ship sank off the coast of Tierra Del Fuego and the passengers, who included Captain Nichol’s family were rescued by tribespeople on the island.

The ship’s company were sheltered by the tribespeople until they were picked up by another ship, with the entire story being well documented in the UK press at the time.

“This is a story that has lived on in my family ever since,” said Heather (23), from Edinburgh. “My grandfather used to put me to bed with tales of the whole adventure, and my family still has a bow and arrow from the tribespeople.

“I thought it would be a great way to bring family history to the fore, and I hope my work will inspire people to look at their own family history.”

Heather is graduating from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, part of the University, with a degree in Textile Design. Her degree show project includes a series of pieces which depict the clash of cultures between Edwardian Scotland and the south American natives, combining styles from both.