Art gallery showcases Solent makers

This is a new collaboration for Solent’s successful retail initiative, Re:So, which will see gallery visitors engage with the work of three talented graduates. The items on sale cover typographic prints, one-of-a-kind bookmarks, and stickers featuring a bespoke motif. John Hansard Gallery’s Duty Manager, Jessica Willis says:

“We are delighted to be a new stockist of Re:So products and to support the work of early career creatives from Solent University. Re:So is a fantastic resource for students and it's so exciting to see the fresh and innovative talent that’s emerging through their programme.”

Bookmarks made using the cyanotype process, handmade by BA (Hons) Illustration graduate, Liberty Baker, are now available to buy at the gallery as part of this collaboration. “I’m super grateful to have this opportunity. I’ve been creating cyanotypes since I was in college, where I researched Anna Atkins, who is the pioneer of these one-of-a-kind botanical images using UV light exposure,” Liberty says.

“There is a great beauty in the uniqueness of each piece because you never know what the final outcome will look like, which is exciting. I hope that this exposure will allow more people to be inspired to create their own.”

Providing a platform for emerging designers is the central aim of Re:So, alongside creating practice-led experiences which give students' important knowledge of running small businesses, visual merchandising, marketing and how to thrive as an entrepreneur.

Another graduate whose work will be sold is Nina Hausecker. Nina studied BA (Hons) Graphic Design, and her funky stickers – featuring a cactus design – were the outcome of a commercial practice module, which emphasises Solent’s commitment to practice-led learning and teaching. On being stocked at the John Hansard Gallery, Nina says:

“This is a great opportunity to get my designs out there, which makes me feel very proud. Solent helped me a lot with growing as a designer; I had great support and feedback from both lecturers and students.”

In April, Re:So began stocking products by students and graduates at The Dart – a popular arts centre in Hedge End. It’s arrival at the John Hansard Gallery signals further expansion, enabling more people to engage with the work of Solent’s creative community. Solent’s Senior Lecturer Re:So, Lesley Taylor, says:

“Re:So is an established space where designers and makers from Solent can test and develop their products, pricing, branding and consumer audience. It also operates as a conduit, where strong community collaborations are built by the Academic Lead, making for an easier entry for our young creatives to have their work sold through high profile partners such as the John Hansard Gallery.”

To browse and buy products made by Solent graduates, visit the John Hansard Gallery, which is open Tuesday to Saturday, 11am to 5pm.