Design History and Theory Communication Design

Nicholas Oddy Head of

Department of Design History and Theory

As part of their degree, all BA Hons School of Design students submit a substantial piece of written work to the Department of Design History and Theory (DH&T) and a synopsis of every one is included in these pages. Students may opt for either a shorter (5,000 word) or longer (10,000 word) submission, the latter being a third of their overall degree submissions. In addition to the two lengths, there are three different modes of submission; essay/dissertation; critical journal (exploring the author’s studio practice in a larger critical and cultural context); or curatorial rationale (an in-depth proposal for an exhibition with its subject and venue the choice of the author). All DH&T staff are involved in the supervision of Honours submissions, which is on a one-to-one basis, and it is always a pleasure to guide what is always a wide range of fascinating and challenging projects.

DH&T is independent of studio, with its own external examiner, and upholds a principle of free subject choice. Therefore, while some write on topics directly concerned with their studio practice, others explore topics that seem to have no bearing on it, often personal interests or socio-cultural issues. This does not mean they are unconnected with studio, however, as the creative process is one of thought and all these submissions are deeply thoughtful, often informing practice in intangible, but significant ways.

Finally, congratulations to everyone who has submitted this year. On behalf of all in the Department, good luck in whatever the future holds.

Steve Rigley Programme Leader

On behalf of the staff team, am delighted to introduce this year’s graduating Communication Designers!

As you will find, their Degree Show is full of personality and rich in concept, and explores a wide variety of themes and topics. Identity, diversity, gender, and sport – wrestling, football, and rugby – all feature this year, alongside collective histories and personal narratives.

Fuelled by curiosity and imagination, they have delighted in the interplay between the traditional and the emergent, freely experimenting with an ever-widening array of materials, processes, and technologies. The work ranges from hand lettering to interaction and AI, from drawing and animation to photography, art direction, film, and moving image.

Of course, there have been many challenges along the way, including the unprecedented isolation of lockdown, but this year’s graduates have proved both resourceful and resilient, returning to the studios to participate in rebuilding the active community we all value here at GSA/Comm Des.

And so, a huge well done to you all! As you head out into the world beyond Garnethill, we wish you well, confident that you will make an impact wherever you go!