We worked with students from Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) to create 22 bespoke pieces of art that were unveiled within the impressive entrance hallway of our Clocktower apartment building, at Newington Residences.
Students were tasked with creating contemporary artwork inspired by key elements of the historical Clocktower building, the previous home to The Royal Blind School. The brief gave students creative freedom and resulted in 22 distinct pieces being selected for exhibition – from tactile prints and modern landscapes to sculptures inspired by conversations about sight loss and adventure.
The successful artists also had the opportunity to attend a VIP gallery event in the impressive entrance hallway of our Clocktower apartments, where they discussed the inspiration and vision behind their creations with invited guests.
The Victorian Clocktower building, which has been refurbished into 21 stunning apartments for modern living, was previously the site of The Royal Blind School – a specialist day and boarding school for visually impaired pupils.
Phillip Hogg, Sales and Marketing Director for Cala Homes (East), said: “The calibre of the artwork produced by the students at Edinburgh College of Art has been phenomenal.
“It has been fantastic to see how each student chose to focus their artwork, interpreting our brief with their own creative flair. The Clocktower building, with its Victorian architecture and panoramic views over Edinburgh, has so many features to draw inspiration from – and has certainly proven itself to be artistically inspiring.
“Supporting the communities in which we build is hugely important for us and it’s been an honour to help share the work of these talented young artists with a wider audience.”
David Moore, Director of Outreach for Art at ECA, said: “We were thrilled to work with Cala Homes on this initiative due to the learning outcomes it provided for our students. For many of our students it was their first time responding to a commercial brief from a client. It required great creative focus, which is a skill in itself.
“The students really took to the challenge. The diversity and originality of the artwork, showcased at the gallery event, demonstrates the tremendous amount of hard work and imagination that went into each and every piece.”
Kristel Bodensiek was selected as the artist behind the standout piece entitled, ‘Elegant Touch’. The work invites audiences to experience it by touch, reflecting the historical importance of The Royal Blind School. Its simple design echoes the sleek elegance of the modern reimagining of this historic building.
The winning design was donated to Sight Scotland, who also formally re-opened the main entrance to the Clocktower building on the day of the event, for permanent display at its new school premises as an artistic link back to its own history and former site.
Davina Shiell, Communications Director at Sight Scotland, said: “We have a long history and many fond memories from our time at our original historic site which is now under the guardianship of Cala Homes and named Newington Residences.
“Returning to the refurbished hallway space and being surrounded by such a high standard of artistic talent has been a real treat. Kristel Bodensiek’s artwork is very special and we are delighted to accept it as a gift for The Royal Blind School at its campus in Morningside.”
Located in popular Newington, less than three miles from the city centre, the impressive new development comprises a modern reimagining of the former Royal Blind School and its attractive grounds. This beautiful refurbishment includes 21 spacious contemporary apartments situated within the historic 1800s school building itself complemented by a mix of new three, four and five bedroom townhouses.
For more information, please visit our Newington Residences development page or call 0131 516 7109. The showhome is also available to view daily by appointment.
Check out our talented Edinburgh College of Art students on social media:
Bronwen Barnes-Archer @bronnybarnesart, Charlene Scott @charlenescottart, Christos Vakirtzis @christos_vakirtzis, Christian Sloan @christiansloanart, Chloe Siemens @chloepascaleart , Elene Sturua @elene_sttr, Elana Munasinghe @elanasingha, Ella Duncan @artbyella___, Fiona Rose Leonard @fionaroseleonard, Imogen Lee Allen @imogen.Allen.art, Justine Watt @jussywatt, Kristel Bodensiek @kristel.bodensiek, Oliva Davies http://linkedin.com/in/olivia-davies-a65697205, Lizzie Henson @lizziehensonart, Maria Sainz Monasterio @mariasainzm, Michael Gao @altouranium_, Rosie Hodgson Smith @spoopmas, Samantha Black @brandobabey, Susannah Nicol @susannnahhh, Tabi Hull @tabihullart, Tracey McShane @Texton66, Tuesday Roberts @artonatuesday.
