University News Archive Bolton students win public art glory

University of Bolton art students have been commissioned to produce a centrepiece for the foyer of a major new flu vaccines manufacturing facility after taking top prize in a public art competition.

Novartis Vaccines at Liverpool invited students from colleges and universities from throughout the north west to develop ideas for a piece of art to symbolise the company's work and core values.

At a recent reception at Liverpool's Tate gallery, the winners of the Novartis competition were revealed as Ruth and Linda Brown (no relation), both from Bolton, who are studying for a BA in Fine Art degree.

They receive an award of £5,000 and budgeted costs of up to £10,000 as production of the piece of art is concluded.

Final installation of the work will be completed in 2008 to coincide with both the opening of the facility and Liverpool becoming European Capital of Culture.

Said Alan Buckingham, course leader at the university: 'We are delighted for Ruth and Linda. This is a prestigious commission and well deserved. Six of our students in four groups, were among the final six groups short listed - an impressive achievement in itself and an indicator of the high-quality work our students produce.'

Said Christine Scott, Director of Programme Management at Novartis Vaccines, Liverpool: 'We were delighted with the quality of entries received, there's obviously a great wealth of talent among art students in the region. However, the work by Ruth and Linda did stand out and it was obvious that they had put in a great deal of thought as well as carrying out detailed research before developing their concept. 

'When completed, the piece of art will have pride of place in our new building.'