STUDENTS with a burning ambition to study design have been accepted into one of Europe's most celebrated universities despite it being ravaged by fire earlier in the year.
Cleveland College of Art & Design graduates Matthew Joyce, Dan McLaren and Lauren Oriodan are to study architecture, product design and interior design at the prestigious Glasgow School of Art.
The university, which has produced famous alumni including the actors who play Dr Who and Hagrid as well as members of Franz Ferdinand and Travis, was partly destroyed by a blaze in May.
“I couldn’t believe it when I saw the news about the fire,” said Dan, 20, of Brotton.
“I’d just received an invitation to go for an interview and there it was on the television in flames.
“Luckily the interview still went ahead and I was offered a place – but I was taking loads of pictures while I was there and sending them down to Matt and Lauren to show them the aftermath of the fire.”
The blaze caused an estimated £20m damage to the famous art school’s Charles Rennie Mackintosh building, which is set to take up to four years to restore.
Matthew Joyce, 18, of Carlton, said: “Glasgow has a great reputation and very impressive facilities for studying architecture.
“It was my first choice university and I was slightly worried when I saw Dan’s pictures of the fire damage that the fire might jeopardise my chances of going there but everything turned out ok.”
All three students will begin their studies in Glasgow in September.
Course leader for CCAD’s interior, architectural and product design 3D extended diploma course Neil McCormack said: “Glasgow is a fantastic university, one of the best for architecture, and we are thrilled that three of our students have been accepted to continue their studies there.
“Our course here in Middlesbrough helps students move on to take degrees in interior design, architecture and product design and we prepare them to aim for the very best.
“I’m sure Matt, Dan and Lauren will really enjoy learning in such a fabulous place.”
Lauren O’ Riordan, 17, of Middlesbrough, added: “CCAD has allowed me to be really creative and now I feel ready to take on anything.
“It was just a bit of a shock to apply to somewhere and then for it to burn down.”
For more information on opportunities at CCAD contact (01642) 288888 or log on to www.ccad.ac.uk.
