Production Arts students light up the trains

Final year Production Arts students at
York College spent their October half-term illuminating locomotives at the National Railway Museum in a competition against other colleges and drama schools.

As part of the ‘Illuminating York’ festival, the final year students had a days training at the National Railway Museum. They were taught about curating, illuminating museums and health & safety. Armed with a selection of lights, they were then allocated a particular locomotive in the museum to illuminate.

Production Arts student, Summer Grieve Knight said: “We were allocated the Southern C1 Q Class locomotive to illuminate, which was a locomotive designed for use during World War II. We were concerned about the enormity of the challenge but once we had discussed the ideas we took a more positive approach. Although we came up with many practical ideas we decided that simplicity would work better on this large exhibit. Even though we were the smallest group in the competition, we were very supportive of each others ideas and all felt that the experience was valuable, it offered a unique opportunity to learn about new lighting techniques.”

Said Production Arts tutor, Nick Schneider: “It was great for the entire Production Arts course to be involved in the ‘Illuminating York’ Festival. First year students assisted with the set up and stewarding of the overall event which provided them with valuable hands-on working experience. Our second year students excelled themselves at the National Railway Museum, illuminating the Q1 locomotive. They were competing against Amersham and Rose Bruford Colleges. Our students were able to demonstrate their lighting skills, showing technical expertise and imagination. Finishing in 2nd place was a triumph for them as they were competing against other Higher Education institutions."