STUDENTS of Worcester had the chance to see their winning BookBench designs brought to life as part of an exhibition at CrownGate Shopping Centre.
Now in its second year, the award-winning CrownGate BookBench Exhibition features a number of BookBenches dotted around the shopping centre, decorated with winning designs from students across Worcestershire and Herefordshire, depicting interpretations of their favourite reads.
The winning nine benches, designed by 11 pupils from seven schools, were unveiled to the public at a launch event on Saturday (July 2) and will be used for the bench area in Chapel Walk.
Crowds gathered to see each of the winning designers presented with a certificate of their achievement, by Free Radio’s Breakfast Show Presenters, Hursty and Helen.
The idea for the BookBench competition originally came from the National Literacy Trust’s ‘Books About Town’ art trail that took place across London.
Designed and created by Wild in Art’s Creative Director Chris Wilkinson, the BookBench has proved to be the perfect canvas through which to unite visual art and reading for enjoyment
Sara Matthews, CrownGate Shopping Centre marketing manager, said: “Last year we were blown away by the finished benches, so we were a little worried if this year would live up to expectation, but the students have surpassed themselves. It was an absolute joy to meet all the designers and see the excitement on their faces as we unveiled each of the benches.
“Now it’s time for the public to enjoy this beautiful exhibition while it’s at the shopping centre”.
The BookBench Exhibition will remain in Chapel Walk at CrownGate by House of Fraser until September 2.
In addition to planned activities throughout the exhibition, there will also be a display of all the entries received for the design competition, from all the schools in Friary Walk at CrownGate, by Superdrug.
Visit www.crowngate-worcester/bookbench2016 for more information
