Priestley artists go to Warrington market for inspiration

THE colourful characters at Warrington Market have helped draw inspiration for a special exhibition of work created by students from Priestley College.

Now the results of the works by first year BTEC Art & Design are on display in the award-winning market, where they have been receiving praise from traders and shoppers alike.

Jay Rayner, a former Penketh High pupil, gave the owner of Netherworld comics a starring role in his painting – turning him into Captain America for his superhero-inspired work.

“Some of the other characters in my piece are customers from the shop,” said Jay, who is considering a career in architecture.

“I’ve never had anything displayed outside of school or college before. I’m not massively worried about it, but it is a little nerve-wracking.”

Priestley’s students were asked to go into the market, pick a business and speak to the owner to find out more about them and what they did.

The results were diverse with work inspired by everything from shoes to fruit and veg, sweets to jewellery.

One painting features cheese connoisseur Dave Mooney while Aphra Proudfoot decided to focus on Fair 4 All, a Fair Trade shop.

The former Lymm High pupil said: “I’ve always had a strong link with Fair Trade because I do a lot within the Church. People can see it as a niche charity, but it is really important so this was a great opportunity for me to help promote what it does.”

The exhibition of 24 paintings and textiles will be on in Warrington Market until tomorrow, Saturday, July 6.

The students can expect an audience of thousands for their art as every day more than 3,000 shoppers use the market.

Jay Seville, Marketing and Events Officer for Warrington Market, said everyone had been impressed by the Priestley students’ artwork.

“It’s safe to say we were astounded at the quality of all the work and it far surpassed our expectations,” she said.

“We were so excited to share the students’ work with both our traders and the wider community, it really has helped brighten up the space and no doubt has raised a few smiles too.”

Pictured: Jay Rayner with his artwork which was inspired by a comic book store.