Burnley art blossoming under Turner Prize nominee's wing

Having worked closely with art students at the college over the last two years to produce eye-catching designs as part of the ‘What I Want More Than Anything Else’ project, artist Mark Titchner has reveled the initiative's grand finale.

Transforming a blank wall at Burnley College Sixth Form Centre with the phrase ‘I Want No More Restlessness’, by Ellie Towers (18), who is now studying Fine Art at Liverpool John Moores University, Mark also gave a lecture on the techniques and inspiration he draws upon in his work.

“It’s been a privilege working closely with a group of young people from Burnley," Mark said. "By reaffirming the importance of the individual voice, by placing it in the heart of their towns, I hope that we can reclaim the public realm as a place for debate, storytelling and shared experiences, instead of a space just for commercial interest.”

A permanent feature has been made of another quote - ‘I Want To Know Unknown Things About Space, Time and World Secrets’ - by former student Imogen Smith (18), who is now studying Fine Art at Manchester Metropolitan University, at Burnley Central Library.

“I have always been fascinated with the unknown elements of the world and universe," Imogen said. "It both excites and terrifies me. Working with Mark has been an amazing opportunity; I’m thrilled my words are being shown permanently at Burnley Library."

Burnley College Sixth Form Centre Principal, Hugh Bramwell, added: “Our talented students have worked hard with Mark to inspire and then create a stunning piece of artwork. It has been a great opportunity for them to work with an acclaimed artist and expand their knowledge and skills.

”Imogen’s words show the thirst for knowledge displayed by our outstanding students and it is apt that they will be a lasting legacy for this innovative project, on permanent display at Burnley Central Library,” he continued.

With Advanced Art students, Imogen Smith and Isobel Duckworth; and A Level students Naomi Humphreys, Ellie Towers, and Nicole Stiff also having been involved, other artworks will also be created at Burnley Market Hall and Burnley Youth Theatre.