Transition: ECA Glass Alumni Exhibition Catalogue

Transition was an exhibition of work of ECA Glass graduates which were shown as part of a retrospective showcase, alongside a selection of historical artefacts, documents, photographs and archive pieces from the recently documented ECA Glass archive. The exhibition showcased the wealth of talent which has emerged over the years from the Glass Programme at ECA. Original texts were written by staff, including an essay on Strachan the founder of the ECA Stained glass department, a brief history of the Department and a contextualisation of the exhibition and archive were written to give context to the exhibition. A series of original interviews with staff, technicians and graduates were also recorded and edited for the accompanying exhibition catalogue. Section 02 Originality: New Knowledge An exhibition of this kind has not been organised to date, the new knowledge lies in a range of disparate archive materials previously unknown; which were archived, curated and shown alongside the work of 40 staff and graduate work from the ECA Glass Programme. In showcasing the selected works chronologically, it was possible to make visual connections between students that studied alongside each other and connect them to the staff that taught them and the techniques that they have specialised in. By documenting this diverse and eclectic range of work, it was possible to reflect upon and see for the first time the unique pedagogical approaches of the staff and the effect this had on the graduates they taught. Alumni were asked to submit work that showed a transition in their work since graduation, in doing so it became evident that the graduates had continued to develop their individual creative practices and a clear transition was apparent. The range of selected work on show is testament to the success of graduates and in turn the Glass Programme over the years which turns out high level graduates. Many of whom continue with their own studio practice often extending into academia; creating leading edge works and original research in the field. To see the Glass Programme presented in this way has created a new knowledge; which has been widely shared and disseminated via the exhibition and catalogue. Section 03 Rigour: a rigorous process of investigationThe Transition exhibition was juried by a panel of experts from the School of Design; which ensured that rigour and system was applied to the curation of this show. The lead researcher on this project systematically reviewed the history of the Programme over the years to create a comprehensive timeline and historical context for this research project; which fed into the curation of the show and the associated key essays & text. Section 04 Significance: effective sharing The exhibition applicants were peer reviewed by a selected jury. People found out about the open call through: Direct mail, social media, the ECA Website and associated marketing materials (e-leaflet, e-invite & poster). The exhibition ran from the 16-30 of September 2016, a wide audience was introduced to the show as it was organised in conjunction with the North Lands Glass Conference held at ECA. In addition, a preview event was held on the 22nd of September. Links to alumni were strengthened and improved; who in turn shared this project with their networks. The show was shared online and reviewed in several publications. The exhibition catalogue forms an important legacy and ensures the future sharing of this project. This project is important and matters because it has drawn a comprehensive overview of the staff and graduates of the ECA Glass Programme for the first time; presented as an exhibition and catalogue. This project has drawn together 40 artworks and a disparate archive of materials into a new context; which has created a foundation for future knowledge exchange and collaborative activities for the Glass Programme at ECA.