Student designs inspired by Zandra Rhodes brighten Bath’s Milsom Quarter

Bath’s city centre has been transformed with a colourful new display of banners and bunting created by local students, celebrating creativity and the work of iconic British fashion designer Zandra Rhodes.

The vibrant street dressing has been installed across Milsom Quarter, showcasing original artwork produced by students from St Mark’s School, Hayesfield School, LIFT Broadlands and Bath College.

The project was led by Fashion Museum Bath and Bath & North East Somerset Council, in partnership with The Holburne Museum, giving young people the opportunity to see their designs displayed prominently in the heart of the city.

The artwork was inspired by A Life in Print, The Holburne Museum’s exhibition exploring the bold and colourful career of Zandra Rhodes. After visiting the exhibition, students took part in artist-led workshops where they experimented with printmaking, colour and pattern to create their own textile-inspired designs.

A selection of the finished pieces was chosen by Fashion Museum Bath before being enlarged and installed throughout the city centre, adding a splash of colour to Bath’s streets for the summer.

Councillor Kevin Guy, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said the installations demonstrate the creativity of the city’s young people while highlighting the value of collaboration between schools and Bath’s cultural organisations.

The project also forms part of Fashion Museum Bath’s pre-opening learning programme, which aims to inspire young people to explore careers in fashion, textiles and the creative industries.

Later this year, the museum will build on the initiative with Fashion Is… Sketch. Print. Wear., a new bi-annual design challenge for Key Stage 3 to 5 students designed to encourage the next generation of fashion designers.

The installation has also been supported through the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority’s Bath High Street Renewal Programme.

Mayor of the West of England Helen Godwin said she was delighted the funding was helping more young people develop creative skills while celebrating the work of one of Britain’s most influential fashion designers.

The colourful banners will remain on display throughout the summer, offering residents and visitors a fresh reason to explore Bath’s Milsom Quarter.