http://artsandbusiness.bitc.org.uk/news-events/news/cooperative-incorporates-old-into-new-academy

Cooperative incorporates the old into new
Academy with artist commission

Following the opening of the Cooperative Academy of Stoke-on-Trent, the Cooperative has unveiled new artwork at the Academy which has direct links to the now demolished original building, so much so, it’s even made of materials salvaged from the original site.

Previously known as the Cooperative Academy at Brownhills, the building was built in the 1920s, originally a girls school, becoming a comprehensive in the 1970s it was more recently turned in to an Academy. However, it was clear that this site could no longer meet the demands of a twenty first century education system, so a new Academy was built virtually on the foundations of the old and during planning the Cooperative decided that the spirit of the old building should live on.

After teaming up with Prince’s Charity, Arts & Business, artists were carefully selected to design work drawing inspiration and taking physical elements of the old building for permanent display in the new building. Lynn Hadfield, Vice Principal, Director of Finance & Operations of The Co-operative Academy of Stoke-on-Trent, said:

“The project allowed both staff and students to work with the artists and produce a piece that depicts the legacy from the old building while creating a link to the new. We are all delighted with our new installations, which will be here for students and staff to use and enjoy for many years to come.”

Artists Joyce Iwaszko and Andrew Branscombe of Airspace Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent were commissioned to create the artwork, which includes oil paintings using the palate of lilac, green, black, and white; colours matching the colours found on the wall and floor of the original entrance hall. There will also be bespoke split level sculptural benches partially made from materials salvaged from the old school, yet shaped to mirror the curved structure of the new site.

Claire Barlow, Senior Consultant, added:

“Arts & Business is delighted to have been the consultants for The Cooperative Academy of Stoke-on Trent. We’re thrilled that the artists have been able to preserve the legacy of the academy in such an innovative, yet sympathetic way. Both students and staff get a sense of history and belonging as well as an inspirational working area to help grow their creative thinking.”

Lead artist Joyce Iwaszko said:

“The opportunity to research the historic site and bring across something from the old school to the new was both challenging and exciting. It was important for us to capture the original substance of the old building. Let’s not forget that the parents of students attending the new Academy would have attended the old site, so having artwork that reflects some of the most memorable elements of the old building is important to retain that community legacy which first started in the 1920s."

Gallery