2020-21
Nature University Creative Pioneers Diversity at University Matters
3 Editor's Letter 4 Meet the Team 6 Nature University 8 Homemade Pearls of Wisdom 9 Bath Spa’s Stars of the Year 10 Diversity at University Matters 12 Creative Pioneers 14 Bath Independents 16 Bedroom Stories 17 Cathedral Thinking 18 The Gift of Memory: Marianne Fox-Ockinga 22 Transforming Futures 24 Working Freelance 26 A New Normal: Working in a Virtual Space 27 Covid-19 Collaboration 28 Thinking Through Making 30 Bath Nightlife: From Disco to Grime 32 Age of Protest 34 Life in Lockdown 35 Playlist
With thanks to…
Katharine Reeve, Angela Rivers, Laura Little and Gemma Matthews, Lyndsey Mayhew, Holly Tonks. Thanks also to Naomi Box, Zainab Rahman and staff in the External team and the School of Creative Industries Administration team at Bath Spa University. A big thanks to Clare Jonik, Mark Donald, Matthew Eglinton, and Charlie Scott at Future Fusion. Cover illustration: Bridget Lees
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Welcome to Milk
n February 2020 we set out to create a new issue of Milk magazine. Little did we know what lay ahead in an entirely new world of a UK lockdown. I vividly remember emailing my lecturers on the eve of lockdown and Bath Spa University’s switch to virtual learning in the middle of March. I frantically packed my bags with 24 hours’ notice to catch a flight back to my family home in Sweden. I had a university seminar two days prior with absolutely no idea that it would, in fact, be the very last. I had predicted that my third year would be full of challenges – late nights in the library triple-checking references, group projects fuelled by Starbucks coffee in Commons and long walks around the lake at Newton Park to ease the stress. What I did not predict, however, would be that this last year at Bath Spa would be completed in the comfort of my childhood bedroom. As I reached the end of the year in June, I sat on the edge of my bed and handed in my last assignment with my parents standing behind me, ready with a bottle of Prosecco. I did cap off my time at Bath Spa with a bang, but it was a bittersweet feeling to not be surrounded by my fellow classmates. I imagined the sense of relief we would feel, hugging each other after a gruelling, yet rewarding, end to our degrees. Nonetheless, I had the privilege throughout that time and afterwards to be the Editor of this magazine. It has been a great joy throughout the commissioning process of this magazine to reminisce on the stories that remind me of the gift I have had over the last three years at Bath Spa. In this issue we celebrate our beautiful campuses and the work of those that help to preserve its glory and keep it accessible for students. We talk openly about the struggles and triumphs of virtual learning that each of us have experienced. We share the amazing, thought-provoking work of artists, writers and makers across the University and beyond. Most importantly, we celebrate what makes Bath Spa, Bath Spa. So whether or not you are a first year or you finished your time at Bath Spa years ago, we hope that the stories in this magazine remind you of what you love about our University; its diversity, its goal to innovate and its unrelenting mission to prepare creative minds for the world beyond the lecture hall.
Hanna Glover Editor
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Hanna Glover – Editor
Managing a team required me to develop my interpersonal communication skills. I have relied on my bubbly and enthusiastic personality to help me encourage others through lockdown. I thrive in a problem-solving environment, so working as Milk magazine Editor has allowed this part of my personality to shine through. Publishing and Creative Writing, 2020 Graduate
Alessia Tami – Deputy Editor
People’s lives and their projects have always awakened my curiosity. Working for a magazine made me realise that connecting individuals, their vision and aspirations, creates a kind of bright, metamorphosing energy which is the heart of future enterprises. English Literature and Publishing, Year 3
Amelia Hunt – Features Editor
Magazines are so varied and I love the creative freedom that gives you. You find that stories and concepts stick together like glue when, at first, you couldn’t see the links. That’s the fun part, bringing everything together to discover an underlying theme which resonates with people. Publishing and Creative Writing, 2020 Graduate
Dottie Giles – Assistant Editor
I’ve become far more curious since working on Milk. Having the opportunity to edit articles I wouldn’t think to write myself, encouraged me to ask questions about the world around me. I’m now excited to take this curiosity into my final year of study and out into the world. Journalism and Publishing, Year 3
Katie Watson – Assistant Editor
Working alongside the Milk magazine team, I have developed confidence in my skills as a writer. It has encouraged me to put myself out there and apply for more opportunities. I love how imaginative and creative a magazine team can be, with everyone collaborating on fresh ideas. Journalism and Publishing, Year 3
Millicent Thomas – Features Assistant
I moved far away from home to build a life in a city that is the complete opposite of where I’m from. This has given me the push to grow up that I needed and I’ve developed my confidence and purpose in ways I couldn’t previously have imagined. Screen Studies and Publishing, Year 3
Kerry Vincent – Features Assistant
My time at university has turned me from a nervous mess to someone who can confidently lead an interview in another language. During my summer placement in Tokyo, I was asked to interview members of a Japanese religious cult. In that moment, I felt that all of my hours spent studying had paid off! Journalism and Publishing, Year 3
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Meet the team
Lily Filipe – Features Assistant
My time at Bath Spa University has made me a more confident person. Having to present in front of my peers, work in groups and interact in an independent and challenging environment has made me grow as a person in many aspects of my life. Publishing and Media Communications, Year 3
Sophie Percival – Editorial Contributor
Every magazine is a little bit of a treasure. Whether it’s significant to time or place, or stunning design, every issue is unique, born from the hearts of its creators. And who doesn’t want to work with treasure?! Publishing and English Literature, 2020 Graduate
We asked our design team which colour best represents them…
Naomi Reed – Art Director
Brown is a very indecisive but warm colour, which is why I believe it represents me the most. You need every colour to mix brown paint. Brown is chocolate, wicker baskets and autumn leaves just before they drop. Brown is a natural colour. It might not be the loudest of colours, but it’s the most universal. Screen Studies and Publishing, 2020 Graduate
Bridget Lees – Illustrator
Leafy green is the colour I identify with. I have always adored nature, especially since I’ve discovered that growing plants helps to put my mind at ease. Going on walks and being around nature is my happy place. Green is bright and vibrant – a colour of growing, which is something I’ve definitely done over the past year. Publishing and Creative Writing, Year 2
Jessica Wheeler – Illustrator
I asked my mum what she thought my colour would be, she replied: “purple”. I’m inclined to agree. Those who know me well say that it can take a while to get me out of my shell, but when I emerge, there’s no holding me back. I’m not as relaxed as blue, but I’m not as bold as red. Like me, purple sits somewhere in the middle. Publishing and Creative Writing, Year 3
Emma Moseley – Production Assistant
Different types of visual content fascinate me. I like to use technology to create content, which is why I prefer working with photography and Adobe software. I enjoy how simple features such as saturation can change the entire mood of a photograph. Publishing and History, Year 3
Shelby Gibbs – Production Assistant
I am fascinated by words as they enable you to articulate almost anything. Words have the power to grip readers from start, to finish whilst simultaneously having the ability to make you weep, love and feel for people – whether fictional or real! Publishing and English Literature, Year 3
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Sharing our beautiful campuses with wildlife and plants improves wellbeing for everyone. In return, the University protects its flora and fauna, while students enjoy studying outdoors and working with nature Words Alessia Tami Illustration Jessica Wheeler
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Environment ewton Park campus is surrounded by gentle grassy slopes dotted with cattle and thriving flora and fauna. Guided by their energetic manager Penny Snowden, the Bath Spa Estates Team look after the grounds and surrounding landscape so we can enjoy this beautiful, natural environment. Penny and her team follow a Conservation Management Plan, which is sympathetic to biodiversity and gives something back to the environment for every change they make to the grounds. This might include moving delicate common-spotted orchids to new sites, or planting lawns near the Gardens halls of residence with wild flowers and grasses. Meadows are allowed to grow, which encourages pollinators like the brown butterfly. “We conduct surveys each year to aid conservation and its study with the help of an ecology consultant,” says Penny. She also mentions the team’s bird box inspections, bat and badger surveys and protection of the great crested newt. “It’s a real juggling act to try and get things right,” continues Penny, who recently had a CCTV camera positioned in the bat roost to enable closer study. The grounds team involve student residents with their annual bulb and hedge planting, which they can then see coming into bloom. In the allotment behind the Walled Garden, edible plants are grown under the guidance of Dr Lori Bystrom, Lecturer in Food Enterprise and Plant Science.
Learning in nature
A university learning from nature
An exciting new interdisciplinary BSc Wildlife Conservation course is starting in September 2021, led by Dr Ralph Thompson. He says: “This degree unites the University’s nature-focused interests in response to employers seeking graduates with an awareness of the social context surrounding conservation work, as well as the science of conservation biology.” Students taking this course will conduct fieldwork on our campuses and beyond. They will communicate their scientific knowledge of wildlife and its
Campus i-spy: flora and fauna
A great variety of species help bring Newton Park and Corsham Court to life. Milk asked Stephen Moss (naturalist and Course Director of our MA Travel and Nature Writing) and Katherine Boon (wildlife photographer and University External team member) to compile a Top 5 list of sightings for your campus nature outings: Take a break, go on a stroll around the lake and observe how lithe grey herons and swans greet visitors all year round.
There’s a special comfort to be found in noticing these comings-and-goings. They are the patterns of a world which is changing according to its rhythms – Stephen Moss value through collaboration with other subject areas. “Students will develop the transferable skills needed to effect real change and aid conservation through the joint understanding of wildlife and human nature,” concludes Ralph. The University’s 2020–2030 strategy welcomes students’ fearless suggestions on how to reduce our ecological footprint. Recent suggestions include transitioning to a vegetarian university and introducing cycling leaders.
Corsham Court, deep in the Wiltshire countryside, is home to many of the University’s MA courses. Stephen Moss, mentioning the residentials his students enjoy, says: “Corsham Court campus makes students feel calm and in the mood for writing.” Tutors encourage students to use their eyes and ears to observe how the three essential elements of nature writing interconnect: place, people and wildlife. Over at Newton Park, Dr Lone Hattingh’s MA Education in Early Childhood Studies ‘Outdoor Play’ module enables students to focus on the connection children from the University’s Oak Tree Day Nursery establish between themselves and their surroundings during campus walks. Lone leads a yearly trip to Denmark, home of outdoor education, where students “have observed how it’s that acceptance of giving children time to sit quietly and look out over nature with their own thoughts, which brings about personal growth. Both for the children and for adults.”
Kingfishers and cormorants may be seen near the water, while jackdaws, rooks, ravens, buzzards and sparrowhawks can be seen over open areas of rough grassland. In spring, pointed-eared leverets (baby brown hares) and voluminously-tailed grey squirrels can be seen hopping about the meadow among daffodils and bluebells. Last February, a whooper swan was seen on the lake below Main House. They migrate here from Iceland and usually winter further north in Britain, making its arrival at Newton Park an exotic puzzle for bird-watchers. As the season goes full circle, listen for the call of a house martin recently returned from sub-Saharan Africa and now flying around campus. “There’s a special comfort to be found in noticing these comingsand-goings of nature,” notes Stephen. “These are the patterns of a world which is changing according to its rhythms. Perceiving them connects us with nature and is part of the pleasure found in the simple fact of being close to wildlife.” 7
Help & Advice
Bath Spa University’s expert lecturers join forces with their students to share their hard-earned practical knowledge so we can apply it to our daily lives. Words Alessia Tami ollow the textile design community at Bath Spa University as they offer advice on how to find your own creative approach and set up a successful business. Students and staff have given us some true pearls of wisdom, direct from their respective homes. From versatile hacks by graduates on how to make sustainable crafts, all the way to inspirational quotes from established industry professionals. There are also some ingenious uses of everyday materials.
What are your tips and tricks to create sustainable designs at home? Charlotte Nutt, BA Textile Design for Fashion and Interiors, 2020 Graduate Use homemade dyes to colour your knitwear sustainably. All knitwear is a continuous piece of yarn, so unwinding an old charity shop jumper, means you can start over to totally reimagine it! Dying the garment, rather than the yarn is more sustainable as it uses less water. The easiest dye to make at home is yellow using turmeric. For greens, mix coffee with turmeric and for blue try indigos, logwood and woad flowers. Beetroot, hibiscus and avocado make a very nice pink dye.
Nicholas Thomas, Lecturer, Textiles An important trend in textile design at the moment is design for disassembly: individuals and companies alike are looking for ways to take their design apart. Old garments which formed a part of your childhood can be cut and sewn back together to make a doll, or a teddy bear. When it’s passed on to your loved ones, a poignant circle of new emotions is created through the reuse of old material.
Amanda Goode, Subject Coordinator, Fashion, Interiors and Textiles A simple way to create sustainable designs is recycling. As a creative person, there’s no bounds to what you can reuse, because you see the potential of it regardless of its original economical value.
What is important to sell and market your products successfully? Caitlin Evans, BA Textile Design for Fashion and Interiors, 2020 Graduate Use sustainable packaging. The biodegradable bags cost a bit more but it’s worth it. Additionally, by using natural fabrics such as cotton, wool and linen, you avoid contaminating the water with plastic microparticles, which are dispersed from polyester and cotton with every wash.
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Nicholas Thomas: We need atypical attitudes; they can become the antidote to difficulties that the mainstream industry cannot predict. In our studios, we often battle with the pressure students feel when comparing their products with what is popular on Instagram. In fact, we’re all capable of being that person who changes the zeitgeist. It’s about having the confidence to channel your uncompromised personality into your own work. Develop that one ability, which is really inherent to yourself, until you can take your idea to fruition and sell it with conviction.
Amanda Goode: Be confident in your own quirkiness. As soon as you get to art school, it’s a huge sigh of relief that you can be as weird as you want to be and not suppress your own creativity.
#BathSpaProud
Despite a challenging year, Bath Spa’s staff and student community have continued to flourish and achieve. Join us as we take a look back at some of the 2020 Vice-Chancellor's Awards winners. We are #BathSpaProud Words Katie Watson
Luc y Sw eetm a n Le c ture r of t he Year (S c hool of C reat ive Ind ustr i e s)
Lucy Sweetman is a Reader in Teaching and Learning and is a personal tutor for students of all years. Lucy was nominated by students for her enjoyable, but interesting, method of teaching as well as the positive relationships she continues to build with students, “Students felt that I was interested in them and had time to give when they needed it.”
W hat m ake s Ba th Sp a s o uniq u e?
“For me, Bath Spa is a place of creativity and community. It's a joy to be surrounded by students who are full of ideas and side-hustles and colleagues who are dedicated to their subjects and their teaching. At the heart of it all, though, Bath Spa University is full of genuinely lovely people who enjoy being part of a community of learners.”
L a u ren Em e r y St udent o f t h e Year (S choo l o f E du c at io n)
Lauren is a recent graduate of Primary and Early Years Education. During her time at Bath Spa, she worked alongside various academic leaders and Student Reps to improve student engagement in the School of Education. As a Rep, Lauren made positive contributions and improvements to the School by using a problem-solving mindset, improving on her own personal and professional development skills. Lauren published two academic journal articles relevant to her degree course with support from her lecturers, which she describes as an “amazing opportunity to contribute to the research that Bath Spa does.”
W ha t ma kes B a t h Sp a so uni qu e? “Bath Spa University makes you feel that you belong to a community that supports you to thrive and take advantage of the amazing opportunities they provide.”
O n n a B o r b e l y - B ar ti s St u d ent o f t h e Ye a r (Sc h o o l o f Ar t)
Onna is a third-year BA Photography student. She's grateful for the recognition of the hard work she has put into her course over the years, as well as her Course Rep role. “Being able to represent Photography as Student of the Year felt amazing. I feel a real sense of community at Bath Spa and as a Rep, I'm so happy to create this within my course. I was humbled by the kind words in my nomination. I would love to thank the amazing course team, as this experience has made me who I am today.”
W ha t ma kes B a th Spa so u ni qu e? “The support, kindness and community of Bath Spa has made my time really special. The supportive relationships between students and tutors is unlike any other I have experienced!”
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Diversity and inclusion at university is vital to relationships of trust and an atmosphere of equal opportunity for both students and staff. We discuss its importance further with Jermaine Ravalier, Rosie Venner and hear about the MA Children’s Publishing industry collaboration Words Hanna Glover and Lily Filipe
he recent national and global Black Lives Matter protests have highlighted the value of diversity and inclusivity in our society as a whole. Issues around inclusion are prevalent in our educational systems today and, frankly, it's time for that to change. Rosie Venner is a student at Bath Spa University, who is currently studying for her Master’s degree in Children’s Publishing. In her undergraduate dissertation, she explored the visual representation of characters in children's books. She discovered there was little to no representation of BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) characters. Rosie went into her MA with a focus on designing BAME picture book characters. She is currently working on a fairy tales picture book project. She says: “Fairy tales are deeply embedded in Western culture, but rarely do we see anything other than pale-skinned and perfectly-toned princesses.” Rosie expresses her concern for this 10
issue, “Children’s books influence children so much, and if a child can’t see themselves reflected in the words they read and the pictures they see, they’ll feel excluded.” Seeing yourself represented as a child is vital to considering yourself
further: “Inclusivity and diversity are only meaningful if they’re more than just a token effort to include other ethnicities in discussions at work, or a way to get a token black person into various rooms in order to hit diversity and inclusivity quotas.”
Genuine diversity means that the thoughts, opinions and methods of these individuals are as meaningful as the majority – Jermaine Ravalier part of the world around you; it reinforces equality. When it comes to diversity, this is often misinterpreted in terms of how to go about creating a diverse environment in which all can thrive. This is a mistake we see all too often throughout society and especially in the educational sector. Dr Jermaine Ravalier, Reader in Work and Wellbeing in the Psychology department at Bath Spa explained
He added: “The number of black British academics who are vice chancellors in UK universities is very low, and earlier this year The Times reported that a maximum of two black academics were working in senior academic management roles.” Having voiced his concern about how people go about diversifying their organisations and brands, he reiterated why, and how, diversity and inclusion are
Culture & Diversity fundamental to the idea of society, “Genuine diversity means that the thoughts, opinions and methods of these individuals are as meaningful as the majority.” “For years, certain Oxford colleges admitted no black students and 12 colleges accepted five or fewer black students over the past three years. Black students from across the country are exposed to sickening racist abuse both in halls of residence and online.” Jermaine notes: “black university academics also face difficulties at work.” He is encouraged that “Bath Spa is making attempts to improve outcomes for students and staff. Universities nationwide still have a long way to go in terms of diversity and inclusion of their students and staff, especially in combating systemic racism.” Working closely with inclusive organisations is something Bath Spa aims to continue doing in the future. This gives students the opportunity to work with a range of organisations to help create a more diverse society and culture. The MA Children’s Publishing course at Bath Spa has collaborated with the inclusive publisher, Knights Of, which prides itself on ‘making sure the books we publish give windows into as many worlds as possible’. Making good use of the MA students’ digital creativity and imagination, a project was developed to create an innovative ebook edition of Knights Of title, A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll. The publishing industry, like other sectors, had to adapt to the increased demand for digital delivery during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. Publishing Lecturer, Holly Tonks said: “We all felt passionately about supporting an inspirational publisher in such a practical way. Creative industry collaborations are rewarding for both students and publishers alike.” Across the UK and in universities the pattern of racism and discrimination has become normalised. Students and staff members can be too anxious to raise concerns about incidents. A recent email from the Bath Spa Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sue Rigby, discussed the importance of diversity, and how she plans to fight
this issue at the University, “We will work with all of our students and staff to ensure we tackle racism, piece by piece, learning from our successes and developing our work year on year.” As a university, it is important to have a diverse and inclusive community in order to allow individual equal opportunities and rights. As Jermaine notes above, this goes beyond token gestures and requires structural change. At Bath Spa, course content will become diverse, offering a range of different cultures, beliefs and ideologies, so that we can learn from each other.
Opposite: Jermaine Ravalier led Bath Spa’s Black History Month, October 2020 Above: Book advertisement designed by Amy Vale for a new Knights Of ebook
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Harbutt Fund fast-tracks designer’s sustainable fashion collection Words Ella Winbolt Photographs Catherine J Archer
Student Opportunities
atherine Archer is a BA Fashion Design, 2020 Bath Spa graduate. After years of research and experimentation, she has recently launched her first sustainable fashion collection called ‘Tonal Tides’. The collection focuses on six outfits, which together comprise fourteen garments from hemp jersey tank tops to hemp and cotton jackets. The boxy shapes are designed to fit all genders and recycled metal fastenings allow for garments to be worn in several ways. ‘Tonal Tides’ is inspired by nature, specifically the sea and the coast. Catherine reveals the origin of her ideas, “The striking colours of salt evaporation ponds in aerial pictures led to an investigation into the idea of life and death in nature.” Alongside the bigger environmental picture, she was also influenced by photographs of her parents’ sailing voyages around the world. Struck by their “mood of comfort and ease” she started to research sailing wear and soft tailoring. Catherine follows a circular design method within her work, where “all items return to the Earth as food, not poison”. This sustainable approach involves sourcing natural materials, which are biodegradable, such as silks, hemps, wools, cottons and linens. Going a step further, she learned how to use natural dyes, which can be applied by hand to reduce toxic waste run-off. She worked with innovative textile designer, Carolyn Raff, using her algae-based biopolymer. This adaptable PVC-like material can be brightly coloured with natural dyes and is compostable. Catherine says: “Using this ground-breaking biomaterial, I feel my collection has something unique to offer.” Specialist fabric costs were a challenge, but Catherine didn’t want to compromise on quality, “It was important to me that my collection was composed of sustainablyproduced, long-lasting materials.” One jacket needed 2.5 metres of fabric which cost around £62.
With a clear vision in mind, but limited funds, Catherine applied to the Harbutt Fund, supported by alumni donations. Named after the Bath-based artist and inventor of plasticine, the Fund was created to ensure that Bath Spa students were not held back in their pursuit of projects which could enhance their future careers. Talking about the life-changing impact on potential future recipients, she said: “To give pioneering students in the creative industries a platform that can enable us to move forward and to stop seeing money as the ‘barrier’ to achieving greatness is the greatest gift of all.”
Thanking those whose donations made this possible, she says “Hopefully, I can make some change in consumer mindsets and encourage designers to create more ethically and environmentally, too.” To read more about Catherine and sustainable fashion visit: underneaththe-fabric.blogspot.com
Above: Early stages of research for the collection Below: “I am ecstatic to have completed my sustainable fashion collection as I originally envisioned it”
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We need to support our independent shops and cafes or we might find they're no longer there to brighten up our high streets Words Kerry Vincent Photos Naomi Reed ne of Bath’s most charming features is its multitude of local, independent businesses, providing residents and visitors somewhere different to visit around every corner. However, with the global pandemic affecting how we shop and dine, independents across the nation are having to adapt their services. We spoke to Steph Wilder, Managing Director of Good Day Café about the importance of independent businesses and how her café has adapted to the pandemic. With the motto of 'Helping You Have a Good Day, Every Day' and Crumble, their very adorable four-legged friend, hanging around, it is hard not to love this café.
Why do you think independent businesses are important? Independent businesses often bring new ideas to the high street and create a diverse range of job opportunities. They also allow for creatives and changemakers to get their ideas out there. Without independents, our towns and high streets would all be the same.
How has your business adapted to the new way of eating out?
During lockdown, we launched a new online shop selling boxes of brownies and cookies. It was initially a project to raise some money for the Forever Friends Appeal at the RUH and the Trussel Trust, but it just blew up! The brownie boxes are selling well online and have become a staple in our shop.
Do you feel that Bath’s residents have supported you during the pandemic?
Absolutely! The local community has supported us by buying our products, spreading the word and sending messages of support. Our customers have really been there for us. We love the community of Bath.
Have you been able to attract a new customer base?
Yes, we have. Due to everyone being stuck at home we saw our social media activity spike and this enabled us to reach new customers. Instagram is our main social channel, a big increase in followers combined with the opening of our webshop has allowed us to reach people from outside of the local area. 12 Upper Borough Walls, BA1 1RH 14
Out & About in Bath
Cascara Café
A vegan staple in Bath, Cascara offers a relaxed café atmosphere just around the corner from the centre. They serve a range of cakes, juices and specialist coffee. It's a great spot to get some work done or have a catch up with friends. If you are feeling a bit peckish, Cascara also has an all-day breakfast menu, warm sourdough toast with a variety of dips, soup of the day, and a gooey chickpea and vegan cheese toastie. 3 Upper Borough Walls, BA1 1RG
Mr B’s Emporium Bookshop
Opened in 2006, Mr B’s Emporium (also known as Mr B’s) has been treasured from the start, with booklovers visiting the store from all over the country. The interior of the shop is beautifully laid out with details such as a claw-foot bath book display. They offer a large range of books with staff always eager to recommend the perfect read for your taste and interests. In 2015, The Guardian named the store as one of the top ten bookshops in the world, so it is definitely worth any book fanatic checking it out. 14–15 John St, BA1 2JL
The Hideout
Previously a nook for Tudor outlaws to drink and chat, The Hideout is a bar with a lot of character. Tucked away in a side street by Bath Abbey, it's great for discovering a new whisky, or sipping your favourite cocktail. Staff are knowledgeable and always up for advising you on your next drink. As The Hideout says to its customers: “Come and bask in the history and share a drink with the reprobates of the past.” The Hideout is currently taking bookings via its website. Drinks are available for takeaway. 1 Lilliput Court, BA1 1ND
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Mental Health
How to take your bedroom beyond an 'Instagrammable' picture to a relaxing haven Words Gwen Jones
rom Mrs Hinch’s spotless kitchen to beautiful interiors spotted on Pinterest, we have grown obsessive in our quest for perfection and ways to better our homes. For second-year Journalism student Ffion Hughes it is important to have a calm environment to help her relax after a long day. She comments: “If my room is organised and everything is put away tidily, I feel a lot more focused and I don’t have the niggling part of my brain distracting me from getting work done.” She describes clutter as something which discourages her from wanting to do anything. For university students, making their room a place of comfort can be challenging and most likely the last thing on your to-do list. No matter how many pictures are on the wall or how many cosy blankets you wrap yourself in, homesickness can still remain. Taking a look at your university room as a small-scale home can make a real difference to your mental health and wellbeing. My first year of university was an introduction to a so-called adult way of living. My flatmates always knew when I was home because of the woody incense that wafted from my nest-like room. The same still applies now I am in a shared house. The smallest bedroom belongs to me, yet my housemates congregate here because of its calm atmosphere.
If my room is organised and everything is put away tidily, I feel a lot more focused Another Bath Spa student, Jade Lewis, agrees that your surroundings can have a great impact on your mental health, commenting that, “surroundings reflect your mindset.” Keeping her room free of clutter helps Jade to minimise any stress. She prefers a minimalist approach with the exception of a few mood-boosting mementos. Jade also finds meditation beneficial for enhancing selfawareness and promoting emotional health. Ffion decorates her room with art pieces and focuses on a colour theme. For her, putting up pictures of friends and family is a must. She touches on the impact these framed memories have: “One picture will catch my eye and it’ll make me think of the memory connected to it. That could make my day.” It's fun to scroll through Instagram for inspiration for your own room, but that's not all you should consider. Alongside potted plants and pictures pinned to noticeboards, having a routine can support you in taking care of your mental health as it provides a sense of structure. A bedtime or morning routine can give you a sense of calm or a boost of energy. Try a set bedtime, or give yourself half an hour to prepare yourself for bed each evening. We all have our individual needs and acknowledging those is what counts. Simple changes can go a long way, and for Ffion, carrying out a skincare routine each evening leaves her feeling confident and relaxed. What makes you content might not exactly match your Instagram feed, and that's all right. Ultimately, surrounding yourself with what brings you comfort and joy is what matters. A friendly reminder when you’re feeling overwhelmed is all it may take to perk you up. 16
Mental Health
t’s been a tough year for anyone unable to see their shielding loved ones and even harder for the grandparents, aunts and uncles who have been unable to leave their homes, even for a daily walk. One mental health service in the South West began a project during lockdown with their elderly patients incorporating what has been termed as ‘Cathedral Thinking’. The term, coined in a TED Talk by Rick Antonson, introduced the importance of thinking forward a generation as done by the architects of cathedrals, knowing that they would never see the finished result. Notre-Dame took 150 years to complete which was considered a speedy build at the time. Rick said: “It’s not what we do that matters but what we cause to happen. We should all be involved in unfinished work. The selfless act of building something for future generations can be applied to restoring our planet’s health.” During lockdown, a mental health team in Dorset created a ‘Cathedral Thinking’ collage to connect people isolated and suffering with mental health issues. The quotes and images they posted to one another covered various topics, from environmental and social issues to connecting with nature and mindfulness. The team received lots of positive feedback and said: “Having a project to work on really helped stimulate people’s minds and sense of community responsibility. The project enabled elderly mental health patients, who have very few visitors to still feel connected to those around them. By asking them to think ahead for future generations, they feel a responsibility for the lives
What has lockdown taught us apart from perfecting our favourite banana bread recipe? I think most would say the importance of connection. Firstly, connection with each other but also connection with the environment and nature Words Amelia Hunt of others. Projects such as this have turned a time of intense isolation for some, into one of connection and collaboration.” Similar projects have popped up on a global scale. In Italy, one of the worst affected countries, a psychologist, named Roberta Brivio, created a wellbeing hotline for people who were isolated. The initiative soon grew into a strong collective of volunteers answering the calls of those who had no one else to turn to. Following lockdown easing, the hotline is still going strong, as people continue to recover from grief. Brivio remains determined, she says, “We’ll roll up our sleeves, and keep doing what we can. I have seen a lot of solidarity [in the crisis]. I think this is not going to end.” Head of Student Wellbeing Services at Bath Spa, Sara Gallagher is keen to see the positive impact this way of thinking could have on students. She said: “A holistic approach to wellbeing should be integral to a student's learning and teaching experience. We are particularly mindful of our understanding of community and this needs to be more than a sense of belonging in a physical space or location.” It will certainly be interesting to see how projects and approaches to wellbeing and mental health will
adapt and change in this current climate. We are all experiencing difficult times but we need to think of others and reach outside our own minds to connect with each other. That is the premise of ‘Cathedral Thinking’ after all.
Above: Head of Student Wellbeing Services at Bath Spa, Sara Gallagher Below: Collage created to celebrate ‘Cathedral Thinking’
A holistic approach to wellbeing should be integral to a student's learning – Sara Gallager 17
A unique donation from artist and former student, Marianne Fox Ockinga, sees her personal archive of Bath Academy of Art at the height of its fame join the University’s Art and Design Collection Words Alessia Tami magine travelling back in time to the vibrant 1960’s art scene in Bath. As a Bath Academy of Art student out in the countryside at Corsham Court your tutors would be some of the most talented British artists of the time. Marianne Fox Ockinga’s varied archive documents her personal experiences of the Academy between 1960 and 1963, after she left Holland at the age of seventeen. Perhaps the most extraordinary feature of Marianne’s donation is its recreation of her quest to navigate her way through a turning point in the art world. This was an exciting time and she was able to develop her own creativity and independence in response to the prestigious artistic circle around her. University Curator, Laura Brown often receives offers from former students wishing to donate their work to its Art and Design Collection. Together, these form an increasingly detailed portrait of the original art department’s character, providing inspiration and a sense of legacy for today’s students. Marianne’s donation is unique in its comprehensiveness and as a consequence it does more than just inform. By donating her diaries, photographs and examples of artwork from her years studying Art at Corsham, Marianne has given us exclusive access to a very personal time capsule of what it was like to apply and be a student at the Academy. Above: With her formative years spanning the Bath Academy of Art and the prestigious Rijksakademie in Amsterdam, Marianne’s artistic career was set to flourish both in the Netherlands and in England. This photograph was taken by journalist Robert Fox in February 1970. On 11 September 2020, Marianne and Robert celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary
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Arriving at the Academy
When Marianne arrived in Corsham on 28 September 1960, she settled into the Pool Cottage at Corsham Court along with four other girls. After settling in, they bought art materials for their first lesson in the studios at Beechfield House with Robyn Denny. Her diary entries tell of the intense work expected of the students. Each day of the week was dedicated to a different artistic practice.
Bath Academy of Art Lessons in design, lettering, watercolour and visual communication would take place at Beechfield or outdoors. The Academy asked its students to learn how to present their work to peers, which culminated in a final exhibition. Coursework was varied and included technical drawings, collages, pastel drawings and collective discussions about ideas for painting. There were life drawing classes with acclaimed British painter and printmaker, Howard Hodgkin, complemented by evening lectures with photographers and seminars on famous paintings. A conversation in 1960 between Marianne and Jasper Jewett, a recent Academy Graduate, concluded with the observation that this was an art school with a difference as it ‘shapes people rather than just artists.’ Personal milestones like the admissions letter Marianne received on 4 June 1960 and the drawings she used to apply for entry to the Rijksakademie, Amsterdam in 1963, allow us to follow in Marianne’s footsteps and to see how her developing talent soon became acknowledged. The archive includes sketches made in her room in Corsham Court, figure studies and life drawings with notes about the model and tutor comments. Homework instructions and newspaper cuttings praising the Academy’s growing reputation are all carefully typewritten. Marianne’s diary also documents the production of the Academy’s promotional short film, produced by the BBC over two weeks in October 1960. Some students had the opportunity to be filmed while finishing their work. Everyone was expected to follow strict rules for self-presentation: dark formal clothes, long hair to be pulled up, no long nails, no high heels. Alongside the hard work, Marianne’s diary gives us a glimpse of early-1960’s student socialising and nightlife. They would go to Monks Park, to parties in Beechfield and occasionally visit other cities on field trips. They also shared drinks at the pub with their tutors. This combination of formality, close academic friendships and innovative approaches to learning are unique to the Academy. Tutors were family for Marianne. It was at a party at the Ellis’ flat in Corsham where Marianne was first introduced to Lord Methuen, the owner of Corsham Court and himself an established artist and painter. A special friendship was to develop between Lord Methuen and Marianne. She was invited to see his paintings and take a tour of his 18th-century Dutch plant collection as well as the garden house and his private gardens. Music also played an important part at Corsham Court. Marianne was especially fond of this and spent her free
time in the music room playing Bach, Czerny and Handel at the piano, with tutors joining in or listening.
The full collection
Marianne’s work was showcased at the new Locksbrook Campus, curated by Laura Brown. Laura discussed the process of bringing this new archive to life and the background to the display: “It had been a long-time aim to fill in the missing information on the Bath Academy of Art and its years at Corsham Court, because that is the strength of the University’s holding, in terms of art and design. We wanted to be able to share the student experience, but we had no contemporary accounts of the Academy at the height of its popularity.” In October 2018, Laura and Naomi Box from the Alumni Office travelled to London to visit Marianne, who showed them her scrapbooks, watercolours sketches of Corsham, her diaries and other documents she had kept. Marianne is hoping to be able to pass the letters she had written to her
Below: Original typewritten letter offering Marianne a place on the ‘Four-Year Diploma course’ at the Bath Academy of Art, 4 June 1960
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The Academy at the height of its fame: the Corsham years The Academy was at the height of its fame from 1950 to 1968. These decades form part of its Corsham years, which range from 1946 – when it was given a new home at Corsham Court by Lord Methuen – to 1986, when art provision started to move to new premises at Sion Hill in Bath. After the war, the Academy gained an international reputation through its tutors, who included Clifford Ellis (who,
“
with Rosemary Ellis, illustrated the now highlycollectable Collins New Naturalist series), Adrian Heath and Howard Hodgkin, all of whom contributed to reconstructing the post-war British art scene. The foundation courses which were to develop into present-day undergraduate art and design courses were introduced the same year Marianne finished her degree in 1963.
I found the swimming pool at the cottage beautifully clean, transparent blue. Around it everything is fresh and green -Diary, Wednesday 26 April 1961
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Left: Bunny, Marianne’s first ever life model, posing for figure composition, 1963. This drawing was used for direct admission into Rijksakademie van Beeldende Kunsten, Amsterdam, 2nd Year
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Bath Academy of Art parents on to the University, so as to make the extraordinary picture her artefacts and memories paint even more vivid. The full Marianne Fox Ockinga collection held by the University can be seen by appointment. Email University Curator, Laura Brown, to book your visit: l.brown@bathspa. ac.uk. More information can be found on the Collection’s Twitter page: @BathSpaCollect. Marianne’s donation has given us a
unique opportunity to get to know the people who made the Bath Academy of Art such a creative and successful environment for artists. Current students can now understand the legacy of this time and consider the important role of art and design education in developing creative practitioners and our culture. Visit Marianne’s website for an up-to-date record of her acclaimed artwork and projects: mariannefoxockinga.co.uk
Right: “My work is going well. We are doing figure compositions in colour with Howard who is now very nice to us, which is amazing!” – Diary, March 1962. Figure composition in the barn with Howard Hodgkin, egg tempera, Corsham Court Below: Janet William’s house, 1962. Right page: Janet and Caroline Powell in the garden of their house; A Saturday afternoon with friends in front of the Bath Abbey
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The generosity of those donating to Bath Spa’s spectacular scholarships and awards is making a big difference to our students Words Poppy Evans Infographic Ella Winbolt e wanted to find out more about the Bath Spa University awards, bursaries and international scholarships, which students can apply for. New graduates, Thomas Minty and Hebak Bodleh, shared their stories about how these schemes changed their lives. Thomas Minty and his classmates were successful in their application to the International Travel Fund (ITF). Thanks to the generosity of the Fund’s donors, they were able to travel to Mumbai to work on a documentary film project. They worked with two UK-based charities, The Hair Project and Oasis India. The charities collaborate to help victims of human trafficking and child abuse in Mumbai. The aim is to teach young girls skills that can be turned into careers. This has involved Zac, from BA1 Hair in Bath, creating a hair cutting and styling training programme. The ITF covered the cost of the students’ flights to Mumbai and their accommodation. They spent two weeks working with staff at Oasis India and attended the launch of a salon in Naigaon. Thomas and the team created a film documenting the daily working life of charity worker, Rebecca. They began by filming at her home, as Rebecca cooked breakfast and saw her children off to school. Next, they travelled to Nalla Sopara to visit a nursery project, which helps educate local children. In the evening, the students were delighted to be invited 22
back to Rebecca’s house to spend time with her family. The Mumbai trip was a huge success and they returned home with all the footage they needed to showcase the amazing work of The Hair Project and Oasis India. Alongside a documentary film, they also produced short videos for social media promotion to support fundraising for the charities. Thomas summed up the trip: “A great experience. The charity staff were extremely welcoming and friendly, helping us in any way possible.” Building on the experience, the team formed a start-up production company, Onnos Media. They plan to offer commercial video
campaigns to South West businesses and events. Inspired by their ITF project, Thomas told us: “The creative side of our business will produce documentary films about charities and organisations that are making a positive change in the world.”
Student Opportunities
Above left: Bath Spa team in Mumbai Below left: Trainee at The Hair Project Right: Hebak Bodleh
Closer to home, the University’s Ede & Ravenscroft scholarship supported Hebak Bodleh, a mother of two and Bath Spa graduate, through difficult times as her family’s life was impacted by the pandemic. She has kindly shared with us how this funding transformed her life in ways that she could not have imagined. The pandemic has highlighted the inequalities faced by some students. Hebak remembers the worrying time at the start of lockdown and thinking, “How will I be able to work with two children in a small flat with no space for them to play?” She considers herself extremely lucky, as the scholarship funding alleviated the anxiety she was feeling. Importantly, it enabled her to work hard and focus on her final year studies. Hebak has now decided to become a primary school teacher and plans to use the remainder of the fund to retake her maths GCSE and enrol on a PGCE course. She is from an ethnic minority background and was greatly influenced by the recent mass Black Lives Matter protests highlighting racial inequality. Hebak feels that Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) educators are underrepresented in teaching, but she hopes to make a difference, “This is the most confident I have been in a decision.” We have been greatly encouraged by these inspiring student success stories and the generosity of donors who made it all possible. Who will be the Hebak and Thomas of 2021? 23
We speak to 2019 BA Photography graduate Joe Clifford about becoming a freelance photographer Words Sophie Percival
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Graduate Experience Tell us a bit about you and your work… My photographic interests are based around my love for adventure, meeting new people and visiting amazing places. Getting a glimpse into other people's worlds is what makes being a photographer so fascinating to me and I'm grateful that photography can be used as a tool to achieve this. Since leaving Bath Spa University, I've been travelling across the UK as a self-employed photographer and photo editor. During this time, I've been continuing my personal projects, which included a trip to the Chernobyl disaster zone. I've also been shooting more informal stuff with a disposable camera.
Above: Chernobyl series: block of flats; remnants of the city Below: Chernobyl series: abandoned leisure centre
What were your hopes/worries after graduation? I loved university life. The build-up to graduation was very daunting; the thought of moving back home to a fairly small town with no creative work lined up was very stressful. My initial plan was to find a job, save up for a while and eventually move back down south to pursue more creative endeavours. How did you come to your decision to go freelance? After moving home and working in a supermarket for a few months, I found a self-employed photo editor job which enabled me to travel and edit photos for about 40 UK universities. This self-employed contractor role suited me as I could choose jobs to fit around other creative work. The day rate was also very good. Personally, I find life on the road is way more exciting than your average 9 to 5. What are the pros/cons of going freelance? Financial security was an issue for me when deciding whether to take the leap into self-employment. Finding constant work that allows you to get by and pay the bills isn't easy. If I hadn't had the privilege of moving back into my parents’ house it would have been ten times more of a struggle to make ends meet. A pro is definitely the flexibility of choosing the jobs you take on. There is a lot of freedom in being self-employed and that feeling is very refreshing. You aren't tied down and you are your own boss. What have you learned, and what advice would you pass on? Network and research your field in advance to try and get a head start before you leave. It's okay if things don't work out as quickly as you want them to; it's tough navigating a creative career straight out of university. Be kind to yourself and keep doing what you love. I would recommend clueing up on the accountancy and bookkeeping side of self-employment. You'll be responsible for paying your own tax and National Insurance and it can make things difficult if you're not organised. How has Covid affected your work? All the work I had lined up from March onwards got cancelled. You can’t be furloughed working for yourself and as I'd only been self-employed for a few months, I was unable to apply for the government to pay 80% of my wages. This led me to seek any other work I could and luckily after a few months I found a job in social media and product photography for an e-commerce business that has boomed during the pandemic. What does the future hold for you? I'm hoping to eventually live on a narrowboat so I can explore and photograph the UK waterways. I have a few international photography trips lined up for the winter which I'm hoping the pandemic won't alter. In January, I'm travelling around the Icelandic Ring Road in a campervan to continue a landscape project I started in my second year of university. If I had to put my desired future into three words they would be: explore, earn and create. 25
Mental Health
Three students share their perspective on navigating online-only working, from internships and studying abroad to the reality of being virtual Words Hanna Glover n March 2020, along with the rest of the UK, Bath Spa students were thrown in at the deep end of working virtually. I faced the challenge of coming to terms with finishing the last year of my degree entirely online. This has been a testing time, but students have also had space to learn valuable skills for the future in communicating and collaborating using virtual tools. At least we were lucky enough to adjust with the help of lecturers and experienced freelancers, who have walked this road already. Who knows if this might be the new normal; some businesses have already declared a shift to increased virtual working in the future. I wondered how others had found those initial Covid-19 months from March to July, and asked three students to share their experiences.
Hannah Wilson
Millicent Thomas
Katie Watson
Second-year BA Textiles for Fashion and Interiors student, Hannah Wilson, was on a study abroad programme in Japan when the March lockdown hit. She was studying textile art and costume art in Katata in the rural part of the Shiga Prefecture. Hannah decided to stay in Japan as she felt strongly that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity. “My time in Japan, during a global pandemic, has been dystopian! It has made it much more difficult to make friends as people are more reserved. But I’m glad I’ve been here, because I feel I’ve had a grown up, real-life experience. I have gained many life lessons. I've learned how to dye fabric using toilet bleach and communicated with a Japanese plumber in an unfamiliar language in a sociallydistanced situation. It has made me more adaptable and this weird yet brilliant story will stay with me forever.” Hannah spent the majority of her time in Japan being creative and using Instagram to share her work: @hannah_beans_textiles
Millicent Thomas, a third-year BA Journalism and Publishing student, started working from home in April as Entertainment Writer at GamesRadar and Total Film. In August she began working as the Social Media and Content Lead at Into Games. She describes the benefits of working from home, including the flexibility to decide her own schedule. “What I enjoyed most about working from home was the feeling of being my own boss, without the pressure of actually being my own boss. I have a Monday morning meeting and then as long as I finish my weekly tasks, I can work whenever I want. I do miss the commute. I miss putting on my headphones and catching the bus or train. Those 30 minutes helped me feel ready to take on the challenges of the day ahead. Sitting at home in my comfy clothes with my day-four hair, I definitely don’t get that same feeling. Of course, I’m thankful to still have a job, but I can’t wait for the return of my morning music time.”
Katie Watson is in her final year studying BA Journalism and Publishing. She gained a summer internship through Bath Spa Careers with London-based education specialist TG Consulting. As Digital Content Creator, Katie researched, wrote and edited blogs for the TG website. She was very excited to be asked to stay on part-time. After a Monday morning team meeting, Katie works flexibly on daily tasks. “As someone with a disability, working from home in this way has been great for my wellbeing and for productivity. I enjoy discussing ideas for new blog topics with other team members or helping out on other projects.” Katie found the team members were great mentors “and put my ‘new starter’ nerves at ease. I believe this is so important for employers, now more than ever, due to the potential isolation of working from home. This has been a really valuable experience for me and I’ve got used to working in a virtual business environment.”
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Covid Collaboration
Lockdown was a chance for both universities in Bath to join forces and achieve something truly wonderful
Right: 'I had the idea of using my own bespoke prints as reusable face masks as I didn’t want to purchase disposable face masks and instead wanted to create a face mask that is on trend, eye-catching, reusable and sustainable!' - Jessica Morgan-Helliwell You can purchase Fiona and Jess’ masks via their Etsy stores.
Words Dottie Giles and Shelby Gibbs Photos Jessica Morgan-Helliwell two sellout launches of her masks, Jess or some, the UK’s lockdown gave us a decided to put a positive spin on the now chance to take a step back from the compulsory masks and match them with hectic nature of everyday life. Those hair scrunchies, so people can look good furloughed, working, or learning from home had the opportunity to take each and stay safe. Another Bath Spa graduate has also day at a slower pace. taken to making masks. Fiona Coupe (@ This included making a sourdough loaf, fionacoupestudio) usually works as a learning new skills or simply catching up on freelance display artist, but since the TV. For the most part, the UK was blessed with good weather so spending time outside, beginning of lockdown has lost a great deal of work. Having begun to make masks for walking or soaking up the sun became a friends and family, Fiona saw an opportunity lovely way to relax. to not only make money, but raise money But this quiet life wasn’t for everyone. too: “I donate £1 from every order to charity Engineers at the University of Bath worked and have made £500 for charity so far. My with their Mechanical Engineering Lecturer, freelance work is picking up again, but I will Dr Elise Pegg, to create a pattern for continue to make handmade masks on the medical gowns, which Bath Spa University staff and members of the Scrubs for the NHS side for as long as people want them.” Bath group used to sew the gowns. “It is an honour to be working collaboratively with the University of Bath to help protect the city’s incredible key workers,” said Kerry Curtis, Head of Bath School of Design at Bath Spa. “We are very proud of our colleagues and community of helpers who have rallied together at this truly unique time. Together we can make a difference.” The gowns were made from protective material supplied by Bath’s Royal United Hospital (RUH). A total of around 4,000 gowns were made and given to RUH to protect the hard-working staff during the pandemic. Social distancing and mask-wearing is going to be a feature of life in the UK for a while it seems. This has provided graduates with a unique opportunity to make Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and protective products. Jess Morgan-Helliwell (@jmhtextiles) began making masks once they became mandatory in shops and on public transport. Using her bespoke prints she was able to “create a face mask that is on trend, eye catching, reusable and sustainable!” After 27
Locksbrook Campus is the home of artistic talent. This exciting new working environment for students and staff combines contemporary architecture and advanced facilities Words Lily Filipe Illustration Jessica Wheeler ath Spa University opened the doors of its new state-of-the-art Locksbrook Campus in October 2019. Once a factory for the international furniture manufacturer, Herman Miller, it had been left derelict for years before being revitalised as a city campus for students and the local community to unleash their artistic talents. Locksbrook Campus is situated in Lower Weston, across the bridge from Waterside Court, Charlton Court and Twerton Mill accommodation on the Lower Bristol Road. Students and staff worked with Grimshaw Architects, as they built the campus. The building was originally designed by its founder Sir Nicholas Grimshaw in 1976. The main aim for the renovation was to ensure that historical aspects of the building were integrated into the redesign. Dan Allen, Head of Bath School of Art, said: “The building was originally designed as an adaptable space that can ‘change with grace’ to meet the needs of its users. This building is part of Bath’s industrial history so it was vitally important to us to keep the integrity of this remarkable industrial, flexible space and to celebrate this in the redesign, which can be clearly seen in the concrete floor, the ironwork and colour scheme.” The new Locksbrook Campus has many facilities available to students such as studio spaces, computer suites, a rooftop pavilion and a permanent gallery where a variety of student artwork is displayed. The University encourages the public to visit the cafe, shop and exhibition spaces to witness the talent and creativity of students. Its open-plan design allows for inclusivity for staff and students both through their art and in their daily life. This is a campus, 28
strategically designed, to create an inspiring atmosphere filled with creativity and passion. As at Newton Park, Sion Hill and Corsham Court, Locksbrook balances its historicallyimportant buildings with contemporary design and modern facilities and spaces. The Head of Bath School of Design, Kerry Curtis, speaks about the importance of thinking through making, “Right from the outset, we placed students and their creative practice central to the design of the new campus. Locating the immense workshop facilities in the heart of the building provides focused support from specialist art and design technicians and the ability for students to move seamlessly between materials and processes. It is a truly stunning environment for students to flourish.” The campus was shortlisted for the Royal Institute of British Architects Awards 2020, which celebrates buildings all across the UK that have made a notable contribution to architecture. Previous winners have included London Bridge Station, the Painted Hall in Greenwich, British Airways I360, and many
Locksbrook Campus
more spectacular buildings. It’s obvious from the moment you walk onto any of the Bath Spa campuses that the University prides itself on looking after the natural environment and the natural habitats formed in and around the surrounding areas. “We’ve taken extra measures to protect the local bat population along the riverside of the newly refurbished campus. The River Avon is a protected nature corridor, with many different species of bats coexisting along the river’s edge that could be displaced due to light pollution” says Martin Crandon, the Capital Projects Manager at Bath Spa University. Not only is Locksbrook a place for students to thrive. It is brimming with historical character and designed with the students and the environment at its heart. We now have an artistic hub right at the centre of glorious Bath. 29
As we adjust to the new normal and miss our nights out, we look back at how Bath's nightlife has changed, from disco and casinos to the diverse culture and clubs that we have all come to love Words Emma Moseley
ath’s modern nightlife began during the 1960s when rock ‘n’ roll became the anthem of the emerging youth culture. The Keel Club just outside the city in Bathampton opened its doors in 1962 and became the social hub for people to drink and dance. This club was the place to go for the latest chart hits, with its popular shadow dancers dancing behind a screen with film clips projected onto it. But with their patrons growing up and moving on, The Keel Club’s membership waned and it closed in 1974. Eventually the club became an eatery which it continues to be today, known as The Bathampton Mill. 30
The 1960s also brought with it gambling and casinos, which had been previously outlawed. In 1963 the Monaco Rooms opened in the Bladud Buildings just off The Paragon with gambling tables. The new club drew in over 100 people every night from early afternoon until dawn. Unlike the casinos of today, Monaco Rooms appealed to Bath's teenagers during the daytime, where they would flock to the fruit machines. When gambling legislation was introduced in 1970, Monaco Rooms had to close. The venue later became Acacia Avenue. This nightclub had sofas in the back rooms and a very deep well, lined with bright lights and sealed
off with a plastic lid. By 2011, it had become The Nest and became a music hotspot. The Nest supported numerous underground and underrepresented genres in the Bath music scene. It was the main hub for live urban music, from local RnB artists to neo-soul, drum and bass and grime. Although the club remained popular for some time, it closed its doors in April 2019. Another popular venue in the 1980s was the Underground, which catered for the punk revolution and a diverse alternative subculture. This club became a popular venue for punks, new romantics and goths among others. You can still see the entrance to the club located
Bath Nightlife
through the tunnel under Pulteney Bridge. Not only would they play recorded music for their patrons, but would also have live punk bands performing. By the late 1980s the crowds started dwindling until they eventually closed their doors in 1987. However, this was not the end of the venue's club life. Today it is a neonlit nightclub that has many different themed nights, known as Khoosoosi. Although considered by several students as being overpriced with outdated music, some students still enjoy heading to the student night on Thursdays. And finally, we turn our attention to Moles. Opening on New Year’s Eve 1978, Moles quickly became
a popular club with locals and students alike. This club still stands today and is popular amongst the student population. Moles focuses on live music and has seen many of its previous entertainers become major stars. Ed Sheeran, Radiohead and The Smiths to name a few. In the beginning, Moles was a jazz and folk club with a daytime vegetarian café above. However, the club struggled to attract more than thirty people each night, relying heavily on the popular café to keep the club afloat. The café was closed after four and a half years, as the nightclub gained more popularity. Moles became more musically diverse and had club nights dedicated to
different music genres; the most popular night during this time was ‘Derek’s Mutant Disco’. The club experienced a temporary closure for a year and a half in 2014 due to an electrical fire and subsequent damage. Moles is still going strong today, with a plethora of live music to accommodate all kinds of people. A great many clubs have opened and closed in Bath over the decades and there are many hidden stories about these shifts. With plenty of students moving into the city every year, there are sure to be more great nights out to come.
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The response to Extinction Rebellion and Black Lives Matter protests has often been negative. Is this due to the particular focus of the protests and disruption caused, or because protesters are mostly young people? Words Amelia Hunt here is an increasing backlash against young people taking political action through public protest. The majority of Black Lives Matter (BLM) and Extinction Rebellion (XR) protesters were under 25 and labelled by tabloids as ‘disruptive’. Against a backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, BLM protesters were also accused of being ‘irresponsible’. Greta Thunberg is one of the world’s most influential climate activists and a Nobel prize nominee. She has been dismissed as a ‘millennial weirdo’ and subjected to vitriolic attacks, often from those in positions of power, such as Donald Trump. However, protesters in the older age bracket do not appear to receive the same treatment. We talked to young activists about their involvement with high-profile protest events. “The climate crisis protests fill me 32
with pride,” explained Marianne Evans, Social Secretary of Bath Spa University’s Eco Society and thirdyear Biology student. She attends Climate Youth Strikes and protests in both Cardiff and Bath. “I believe [protests] to be necessary and they have proven to be the most effective way to achieve change.” Marianne continues, “people believe students are following a trend or causing a fuss for the sake of it.” Climate change is “such a demon looming over us all, so why shouldn’t we protest?” Her strong belief in protesting means that she supports the XR campaigns. Commenting on the bad publicity that civil disobedience receives, she said it “forces governments to listen and it is a shame that Covid has brought such a halt to public demonstrations for the environment.” Protests also provide a sense of belonging. The recent BLM
demonstrations provided a space for often-ignored Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities to speak out and for supporters to learn and question their own privilege. Tasha Nicholl, musician and student at BIMM Brighton, told us, “protesting is important because it’s choosing to stand with others for unity and positive change to begin to take place. I definitely feel more educated on BLM experiences from attending.” What’s more, the BLM protests were a chance for people to connect during a time of such isolation. “A massive sense of community and love filled the area,” explained Mike Collorick, Staffordshire University student. At a BLM protest in Stokeon-Trent, he found “no violence, no antisocial behaviour and no signs of a riot. Social distancing was followed by most in attendance and face masks were worn by nearly all.”
Politics & Culture Reflecting on times gone by, we spoke to Lucy Sweetman (Reader in Teaching and Learning at Bath Spa University) about how things have changed since she was a student. “For people who went to university in the late 80s and early 90s, student politics was very centred around the traditional national political parties. People who got into student politics would do so as a pathway into their preferred political party as a career.” Individuals today attend protests which relate to their own concerns, but back then, “there was an ideological movement and everyone attended each other’s marches and we don’t really do that anymore.” The worldwide BLM protests have demonstrated that young
people today are more politically motivated than ever before. Lucy strongly agrees that students today are more politically active and aware of problems than when she was a student in the 1990s, which can only be a positive thing! The role of social media and online donations played a huge part during the BLM protests, as the pandemic limited people’s ability to take to the streets. Lucy argues that social media’s relatively short-lived role in a protest does not compare to the gathering of crowds. Traditional protesting keeps movements like this alive in the public eye.
Lucy advises that for our generation to make a difference, we have to learn how the political system works on a national and a local scale. She reflects, “I used to sit down at my typewriter and bash out these letters and post them to the House of Commons. Nowadays, MPs do respond to communications from constituents. By emailing your local MP you can have a direct impact rather than arguing with someone on Twitter.” Young people should never be made to feel that our voices don’t matter or that we can't be involved in the decisions which shape the world around us. We should continue to protest because this is our society too and we deserve to have our say. Each and every one of us.
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Mental Health
The student community’s creativity hasn’t faltered during lockdown. Answers to a survey sent out by Milk magazine show a kaleidoscope of inventiveness and resilience Words Alessia Tami hen everything we took for granted was suddenly jeopardised, it wasn’t easy to stay positive. Nevertheless, the creative side of our brains came to the rescue when reality seemed to make no sense at all anymore. Maddie Quinn, a third-year Art and Education student turned isolation into a community project: “I’ve been busy making hundreds of origami cranes with the help of many other people, who sent me their cranes in huge, colourful boxes. It is an Eastern tradition that you are granted a wish if you persevere and make one thousand.” Whilst most of us had no other choice than to spend the lockdown at home, the activities we have engaged in are widely different. Phoebe Hughes, in her final year as a History and Heritage undergraduate, was on an Erasmus trip in Malta when the pandemic started: “I expressed my creativity in lockdown by making mini projects
How have you made the best out of this time?
away from home to university, I’ve found that the majority, if not all my songs and musical ideas, are written in Bath. Now, I’ve slowly been able to start songwriting at home again.” Others were inspired by the
Whether it’s starting a business, crocheting a blanket for next winter or building furniture, it is clear that our Bath Spa community is emerging stronger and wiser with friends in Malta and virtually. A friend was in Italy during lockdown and regardless of the distance, we made an artsy video while Skyping each other.” Singer and final-year BA Commercial Music student, Greg Johnson also found that his creativity was transformed by the sudden change of setting: “Since moving 34
nature around them, such as BA English Literature student Alice Musgrove: “Poetry has helped me make sense of this situation. In one of my poems, I envision my own experience and humanity’s collective experience of the pandemic inside a blackbird egg that I found in a forest near my house in Cornwall. This egg allows me to process the situation
and reduce it into something familiar and manageable.” Despite the restrictions, many projects have developed out of self-isolation. Whether it’s starting a business, crocheting a blanket for next winter or building furniture, it is clear that our Bath Spa community is emerging stronger and wiser.
Above: Milk student survey Below: Illustration from a community origami crane-making project
This issue of Milk magazine was created completely remotely during a global pandemic. One thing that grounded us during this time was the music we shared and which brought us together. In honour of the collaborative nature of Milk, the team gathered together some of our favourite songs. This is the playlist that kept our motivation high during the creation of the magazine. We hope these songs inspire you and act as a companion as you delve into the stories that celebrate our community at Bath Spa University. Best wishes, The
Team
Song Title
Artist
Keep on Dancing
Oh Wonder
Sincerity is Scary
The 1975
River
Leon Bridges
August
Taylor Swift
This Will Be (an Everlasting Love)
Natalie Cole
March March
The Chicks
Chasing a Feeling
LÉON
Banana Pancakes
Jack Johnson
Sad Girl Summer
Maisie Peters
Seven Wonders - 2017 Remaster
Fleetwood Mac
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Produced by students of BA Publishing and BA Journalism & Publishing at Bath Spa University