News

Wednesday 10 May 2006

Sir Paul Smith re-opens Bonington

Nottingham-born fashion designer, Sir Paul Smith, is returning to his home city for the official re-opening of Nottingham Trent University's Bonington building.  The building, which is home to the University's School of Art and Design, has recently undergone an extensive rebuilding programme. Sir Paul Smith will officiate at the launch (today), which will include students and staff, as well as VIPs from educational, commercial and cultural institutions across all areas of the art and design world.

Bonington's distinctive glass and steel design is not the only tangible change to the building's construction. The purpose built, multimillion pound centre now features a striking new entrance, a spacious extra level incorporating state-of-the-art computer suites, full photographic facilities, additional exhibition areas, multi-functional fashion design studios and interactive facilities to aid student activities across all subject areas. This comprehensive and directional modern design complements the University's international reputation for art and design excellence.

Sir Paul Smith is obviously no stranger to global success.  His collections are wholesaled all over the world in no less than 35 countries with branches in London, Nottingham, Paris, Milan, New York, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Taiwan and over 200 stores in Japan.

He said: "I am delighted to be asked to launch Nottingham Trent University's new Bonington building.  I left school at 15 with no qualifications so it is great to see a centre such as this which offers students an inspiring environment where creativity can thrive."

"We need to continue to develop design talent to compete in the world market, and it is Schools such as this which support that development."  

Professor Simon Lewis, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Art and Design and the Built Environment, said: "Sir Paul Smith represents much that we aim to inspire in our students.  His creativity combined with business acumen has made him one of the world's most influential designers." 

"We are so pleased that he has taken time out of his extremely busy schedule to help launch the new Bonington building."

ENDS

Notes for editors:

For more information please contact:

Dave Rogers, Press Officer, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 2650 or via email: dave.rogers@ntu.ac.uk.

Or Therese Easom, Press and Media Relations Manager, on telephone +44 (0)115 848 6589 or via email: therese.easom@ntu.ac.uk.