A Welcome Return to the National Saturday Club
Over the past ten years, 8,000 young people from across the UK have taken part in the National Saturday Club programme (including us, Chloe and Abigail of Buttercrumble). We were excited when the National Saturday Club invited us back to deliver a masterclass at the University of Leeds to further the creative ambitions of young people. Here’s an insight into our creative workshop!
Photography by: Saturday Club Trust, Magnus Andersson
The National Saturday Club was inspired by British art schools between the late 1940s and 1970s. Many schools opened their doors on Saturdays to inspire young people and spark creative spirits. The Club’s co-founders, John and Frances Sorrell, both started their professional journeys by attending these Saturday art classes. After 10 years of developing pioneering educational programmes, the Foundation launched the first National Art&Design Saturday Club in 2009.
Currently, there isn't always space in the school timetable, or at the school, for the imagination to thrive. When we were at school, we were always hungry for more creative opportunities. There weren’t many opportunities in our hometown of Scarborough! That’s why we were (and still are) thankful for the club. The National Saturday Club is committed to providing opportunities for harder-to-reach young people from across the UK. In 2018/19, 63% of Saturday Club members were from widening participation backgrounds.
We decided to base our workshop on branding. We believe by highlighting one’s personal brand, you can stand out from the crowd and communicate more effectively with your school, employer, friends, or family. We want to embrace what makes us — as individuals — unique. The outcome was to create a graphic arts poster, featuring a mascot and manifesto which reflected this. The masterclass also highlighted life as a graphic designer and how this can be a great career path for young people in the UK.
“10/10 my favourite session so far!”
We (Abigail and Chloe Baldwin) were members of the National Saturday Club in 2010/2011. This was at Yorkshire Coast College, Scarborough. We’re proud to be the first returning alumni to hold a masterclass, and an example of what the initiative can nurture. The occasion felt extra special as the masterclass was held at the University of Leeds, where we were also alumni.
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