A CHANCE message on Linkedin has created opportunities for students at Andover College to work on a wide variety of projects with the Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop.

Focussing on Remembrance for their first collaboration has enabled tutors to discuss with students the importance of remembering not only those that have lost their lives in conflict, but also those that may have family currently involved in the Armed forces and modern-day conflict.

Assistant principal at Andover College Helen Perry said: “We are always looking for opportunities to connect to our local community, and it has been a pleasure to get involved with The Army Flying Museum at this reflective time of year.

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“It has enabled us to give students the opportunity to engage in real life projects, creating opportunities for us to discuss working to briefs, working behaviours and attitudes, which is something we pride ourselves on delivering.”

The students at the college were keen to embrace the theme of the poppy on a larger scale, focusing on the more stylised shapes seen in poppies associated with the Royal British Legion and other more contemporary styles and they have created three stunning 3D poppies which will be hung in the Hayward Hall at the Museum during November.

Rather than have one single group involved in the making of the poppies, the college chose to open the project to all creative staff and students to get involved through making and contemplating ‘remembrance’ in discussion, with particular input from Level 2 Art and Design students and A-Level 3D design students.  

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In other projects, working with pebbles donated by Hilliers Gardens, L1 Art students, along with various members of staff and other students painted poppies on stones to be placed at the Museum’s memorial in time for Remembrance Day.  A multimedia video has also been constructed by L3 creative art practice student Lily Smith, along with help from students across a wide range of other departments including visual arts and multimedia.  The video will play at the Concert of Remembrance with the Middle Wallop and Andover Military Wives Choir, which takes place at the Museum on Friday, November 11.

Chief executive of the Army Flying Museum Lucy Johnson said: “It has been so exciting to see the work that the students from Andover College have produced and to know that this project has created discussion about the themes of remembrance as well as inspiring creativity.  We can’t wait for our next collaboration.”