The countdown is on for the 2011 Cass Summer Show, one of the largest showcases of graduate talent in London.
From June 15-19, the exhibition will display works by 800 graduates from the Sir John Cass Department of Art, Media and Design (The Cass), from a range of disciplines including animation, fine art, film, design, jewellery, furniture, textiles, musical instruments and more.
The title of the exhibition, Beginnings, was chosen because this year’s show is a double celebration. As well as celebrating the future careers of The Cass’s hugely talented students, the event commemorates the 350th anniversary of the birth of Sir John Cass (1661-1718), the philanthropist after whom The Cass takes its name.
The image selected for posters and invitations for the show, is a print by Fine Art graduate Anna Hamilton, and shows London Bridge in the 18th Century - from around the time of Sir John Cass.
The Cass's two buildings at Central House and Commercial Road are being transformed into a huge gallery for the renowned annual event. More than 2,000 guests are expected at a Private View on 14 June, which will launch the Show.
At Central House, films by broadcast production students will include a World War 2 drama, in which German paratroopers occupy a church in Southern France, as well as a captivating story of a student’s obsessive search after discovering an unfinished work by his physics professor.
The display at Commercial Road will feature some innovative re-workings of the traditional Windsor Chair, as well as a chair upholstered using a multi-coloured biographically inspired fabric by pop culture designer Serge Seidlitz.
Michael Upton, Academic Leader at The Cass said: "The exhibition is shaping up to be our best yet - I’ve been fortunate enough to have a sneak preview of many of the great final projects that will be on display.
"The 350th Anniversary year is a reminder of The Cass’s proud history and heritage in providing skilled practitioners for London’s ever changing creative economy. We’re going to put on a show that would make John Cass proud!”
