Students reinvent the souvenir

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Bath Spa 3D Design students reinvent the souvenir

Bath Spa University’s 3D Design students have created a brand new and exclusive range of souvenirs for the Holburne Museum in Bath, drawing on the Museum's rich history and fascinating collections, as well as the materials, artefacts, spaces, stories and history of the Museum, and the city of Bath.

Students were challenged to design imaginative, contemporary souvenirs that carry the Holburne Museum's identity, to be retailed in the Holburne Gift Shop. They worked with the Museum’s Learning and Community Engagement Officer, Louise Campion, to explore the collection and its stories; and Shop Manager Mari-Liis Konts to develop an understanding of the museum retail sector. The souvenirs will be available from Friday 27 April at a range of prices, and vary from precious metal jewellery to beautiful moulded candles and colourful miniatures developed through 3D printing.

Julia Keyte, Course Leader, BA (Hons) 3D Design, said: “This project has seen the students apply their creative skills and material knowledge to the design and production of souvenirs, with the support of experienced design tutors and technicians. The Portable Place project presented a very interesting design challenge to create high quality products that connect people to place, through material.”

Louise Campion, added: “I think William Holburne would have loved the way the objects he collected on his travels have themselves inspired new, contemporary ‘souvenirs’. The students have created objects which pulse with historical narratives and a sense of place and the Holburne Museum is delighted to be working with Bath Spa University on this collaborative project.’

The exhibition

The souvenirs and ‘Portable Place’ project will be launched at the Holburne Museum's Up Late event on Friday 27 April from 5 - 9pm.

The shop display will be accompanied by an exhibition giving a fascinating insight into the design and production of the souvenirs. Up Late also includes a ‘salon’ of presentations from professional designers and academics, exploring the theme of material, place and identity. Up Late at the Holburne is open to the public and free to attend, and there are opportunities for refreshments and informal discussion.

The souvenirs are available in the shop from Friday 27 April, and the exhibition runs from Tuesday 24 April - Friday 4 May.