Arts University Bournemouth to open first UK drawing studio for a century with Lloyds Bank support
Sir Peter Cook has designed the first drawing studio to be built in Britain for more than 100 years.
The new studio, is one of three new facilities for Arts University Bournemouth’s (AUB) campus that has been built with support from Lloyds Bank.
In addition to the new drawing studio, AUB’s North Building has been extended to host a new state-of-the-art animation and photography studio and lecture theatre; while a new student services building now serves as a dedicated space for students to meet their advisors and support teams.
Lloyds Bank provided a £7m financial facility to help fund the £17m investment project, supporting AUB’s strategy to be the leading professional arts university.
Mary O’Sullivan, director of finance and planning, commented:
“Drawing is central to so many of the arts we teach at AUB. From traditional art, to creative design work, one way or another it always goes back to the drawing board. So professor Sir Peter Cook’s studio is not only a huge attraction for our campus, it’s a great asset for our students who will benefit from it for years to come.
“Paul Bate and his team at Lloyds Bank delivered what they said they would, when they said they would. They listened carefully to our needs, tailored a solution that worked, and when we had the inevitable challenges you get in any major project, they were extremely open and collaborative in the way they supported us to work through these. We can now look ahead with confidence as we complete the most significant investment in our campus for a generation.”
The drawing studio, which will be opened today, is Sir Peter Cook’s first ever UK building. The renowned architect and former director of London’s Institute of Contemporary Arts, is an alumnus of AUB.
Other former students include Simon Beaufoy, the Oscar winning screenwriter of Slumdog Millionaire and The Full Monty, as well as the director of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, Edgar Wright.
AUB is one of a small number of universities in the UK devoted solely to the study of art, design, media and performance.
Paul Bate, relationship director at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, added:
“The UK’s musicians, artists and film makers are recognised across the globe. We’ve always had an edge in the creative industries, and it remains one of our biggest success stories, adding £84bn to our economy in 2014.
“A massive part of its success comes down to education and AUB has played a leading role in maintaining the UK’s creative excellence. Our experience of the higher education sector, combined with our understanding of AUB and its strategy, meant that we were able to tailor a funding package that matched their needs and was delivered on time.”