A treasure chest of art and creativity.

Is it just me, or do others who get a chance explore what was the Herman Miller furniture factory off the Locksbrook Road, see a similarity with the Centre Pompidou in Paris?

Both structures were opened around the same time in the late 1970’s – and both make incredible physical settings for what is housed within them.

The Centre Pompidou was, of course, constructed as an example of high-tec architecture and to be a purpose-built centre of art and culture.

Here in Bath, architect Nick Grimshaw was given a different commission by the American company setting up an industrial manufacturing centre.

However, in our city things change. The redundant factory building – again with the help of the Nick Grimshaw practice – was transformed from its original use into a facility for artists and designers.

However, while respecting its Grade 11 listing, the now vacant building was opened up into an innovative creative space that still had evidence of its utilities – pipes, wires and girders. It is also – on a wonderful day like today – an internal space bathed in light.

So from 2020, this has been home to Bath Spa University undergraduates seeking degrees through the Bath School of Art, Film and Media and the Bath School of Design.

Currently, it is hosting this year’s Undergraduate Degree Show.

I implore you all to go see what these creative young people have been up to. You don’t have to pay and can go and wander around the department display from 10 am to 6pm every day this coming week. The show closes next Saturday, June 22nd.

This really is a treasure house of art and design.

I also did not know that it houses an Art Shop where anyone can go in and buy – not only art materials – but examples of the new art being created here and now being offered for sale.

There is also a cafe which is open to the public.

I am told you only have to turn up outside the main glass front door and wave at the receptionist and you will be let in for coffee or purchases.

This Locksbrook Campus is going to develop further in the near future and may have on – or near it – a new strorage building to houses the city’s Fashion Museum collection.

I have peppered this report with pictures from the show.

Please go and see for yourselves.

Here’s hoping many of these young graduates stay in Bath and set up their own businesses.

We’d love them to be part of our future!!