A striking design, created by Richmond School and Sixth Form student, 13-year-old Georgie Hickman, has been chosen as Richmondshire Concerts’ committee members’ badge. Georgie’s stunning graphic was selected as the stand-out design for its interpretation of the Society’s identity.
Residents and visitors to Richmond have been enjoying a superb programme of world-famous classical musicians and groups for over seventy seasons, thanks to the support and success of Richmondshire Concerts. The Society was looking for a new badge design for their committee members to wear at concerts, so they were easily identifiable to the audience and performers. Judy Moorhouse OBE has a longstanding association with Richmond School and proposed that with such a pool of creativity and brilliance on their doorstep, what could be better than to have a design from a student at the school.
A competition was launched, and this became a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) project for the students, with a brief to create a design concept that summed up Richmondshire Concerts’ identity. From a shortlist of twelve, Georgie’s design was chosen as the one which most clearly reflected the identity of the Society. The treble clef references the music and the castle keep the historic setting of Richmond, with the classic green colour being a subtle reference to the beautiful Swaledale countryside. As well as being highly regarded for its aesthetic appeal, the design was also commended for its functionality, combining the lightweight, hardwearing and modern material benefits of acrylic with a clever and versatile magnetic fastening.
Judy commented: “Having taught at Richmond School for many years, I have always been impressed by the students’ creativity and design excellence. On behalf of the RCS committee, I would like to thank Georgie and the Design and Technology Department for the outstanding design and practical solution to our challenge.”
Georgie’s concept required only minor design tweaks and once the final proof was approved the badges were laser-cut and produced in the School’s Design and Technology Department. Susan Thornton, STEM co-ordinator at Richmond School and Sixth Form College, said: “We were delighted to be able to assist Richmondshire Concerts in their quest for a new badge. It was a great opportunity for the students to use their STEM skills to work on a real-life project.”
In recognition of her efforts, Richmondshire Concerts awarded Georgie a £25 WH Smith Voucher and, along with her parents, Ms Thornton and Jenna Potter, Headteacher, Georgie is invited to the Society’s first concert of the season on 28th September.