Penryn College students have been showcasing their work in style with a recent art exhibition and fashion photoshoot.

Last month, parents, guardians, staff and pupils gathered in the school's main hall to view the wide range of art and fashion work created as part of the college's annual GCSE 'Artextiles Exhibition'.

This year's exhibition featured a sea of colours with manikins and canvasses displaying pupils' diverse range of creations - from floral dresses to sportswear and self-portrait paintings to abstract artwork.

Reflecting on the exhibition and the work featured in it, Penryn College's art and textiles teacher Deborah Orford said: "We would like to congratulate our students for the success of this event - it was lovely to see the reaction of pupils, staff and parents/guardians, and to hear their comments and praise.

"Over the years, the work on show has inspired future year groups; the quality, individuality and skill with which pupils create their work is exceptional and continues to improve every year."

The college's Artextiles Exhibition followed this summer's Working With Industry Year 10 Penryn College photoshoot which took place at the Budock Vean Hotel and showcased the fashion design work of the school's pupils.

Months ahead of the photoshoot, participating students discussed their portfolio work one-on-one with Vicky Jackson, director of Nomads Clothing Company, a Fair Trade clothing business based in Cornwall, before carrying out market research in order to establish the look suited to their focus company of choice.

Subsequently, pupils modelled their products in front of Falmouth University photography students - with the help of the Falmouth College hair design team and Joanne Stambridge, professional make-up artist and TA at Penryn College.

The winner of the most commercially viable bohemian-style product was Charlotte, and runners-up were Isabella and Lauren. Additionally, pupils designed active wear for Finisterre and Vans, and theatrical costumes for Rogue Theatre.

Eltica Wilkinson was the winner of the most commercially viable steam punk outfit for Rogue Theatre (pictured, top-right). 

Commenting on the efforts of the students involved in the project, Penryn College Artextiles Teacher, Lorraine Aonso, said: “The work of our pupils was fantastic, and director of Nomads Clothing, Vicky, praised the high standards of the products that students produced, as well as the method in which we celebrated our pupils’ designs.

“Not only does this work contribute 30 per cent towards students’ overall Art and Textiles GCSE grades, but it can be used when applying for apprenticeships or other courses in the near future – as our previous students have done in the past,” Miss Aonso concluded.