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Lee Widdows welcomed on campus to celebrate the Vaughan Oliver Graphic Design Scholarships

In February, Northumbria welcomed Lee Widdows, wife of alumnus Vaughan Oliver 1957-2019, to meet the first student cohort and proud recipients of the Vaughan Oliver Graphic Design Scholarships - in association with 4AD.

Lee, hosted by Senior Lecturer Andy Frith from Arts, Design and Social Sciences, conducted a tour of the University Graphic Design workshops, where Vaughan had studied. In attendance were the first year Graphic Design undergraduates and scholarship recipients Mya, Ruby and Katie.

Mya said: “Meeting Lee for the first time was a wonderful experience, it was so nice to put a face to a name. I had already researched her husband’s work and the amazing things that he has produced. Lee told us lots of funny stories about Vaughan, which was extremely heart-warming, making it a lot more personal which was lovely. It’s clear to see how much this Scholarship programme means to everyone that attended, especially Lee. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait for everyone to meet up again.”

Lee provided insight into Vaughan’s upbringing, background, early design interests and philosophies. She shared stories, accounts, and anecdotes to help set the context for students and inspire them for their future studies and careers.

Lee said: “It was an absolute pleasure to meet the students, the first recipients of Vaughan Oliver's Graphic Design Scholarships. I had a wonderful time and would like to thank everyone for making my trip so enjoyable. I am so impressed with the design facilities and encouraged to see that making is still at the heart of teaching and learning at Northumbria. I look forward to a continued relationship with both students and staff.”

Vaughan Oliver was one of the most influential British Graphic Designers and Art Directors of his generation.

Graduating from Northumbria University, then known as Newcastle Polytechnic, in 1979, Oliver went on to earn a global reputation as a visionary in his field.

He is perhaps best known for his work with independent record label 4AD; building up an enviable portfolio of work for bands including Cocteau Twins, Pixies, The Breeders, Throwing Muses, Scott Walker and Modern English, to name just a few.

Scholarship recipient Ruby said: “This has been an extremely supportive opportunity which has helped me gain access to many facilities that will help my designing ability grow, and I greatly appreciated this opportunity. The fact that Lee can see our potential and is helping to support us is a wonderful thing to be a part of.”

The scholarships reflect a ten year initiative to support talented students from a widening participation background in the North East of England.  An initiative that reflects Vaughan Oliver’s own journey into the design world and his personal agenda to support and inspire a new generation of graphic designers that need financial help to achieve their artistic dreams. The generosity of 4AD is in recognition of Vaughan Oliver’s contribution to their company and the esteem in which he is held.


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