A YOUNG designer is making her mark in the North East by following in the footsteps of two generations of her own family.
Former Cleveland College of Art & Design student Lauren Alice Parnell has begun her career as a screen-printer and glass engraver in the very same building where her grandmother June Finkill started her very first job over 40 years earlier.
Lauren, 22, of Redcar, was offered the position, straight after graduating from CCAD, with Crystal Galleries, the UK’s leading supplier of engraved glass and crystal.
The family owned business, established in 1982, is based in Middlesbrough and trades from the same building where June worked as a fabric maker for car upholstery firm Daks.
Along with June, Lauren’s mother and grandfather also worked in the building at different points in their careers.
“I couldn’t believe it when my grandma said that she recognised the building as where she used to work when she was younger,” said Lauren. “She was so excited and said that it must be fate that I got a job there.
“We have always been an extremely close family and everyone is so proud of me doing so well especially having just left college.”
Lauren, who studied a BA textile and surface design course at CCAD’s Hartlepool campus, will be working as a celebration screen-printer making transfers for glass awards, trophies, paperweights and celebration bottles.
“I specialised in screen-printing at college so to get a job doing what I love is incredible,” said Lauren. “And what is so nice about it is that it’s right on my doorstep so I can stay in the North East.
“I’m very proud to be from Teesside. I’ve got a lot of family here and a lot of love for the area and I didn’t want to have to go to London or somewhere else to find a job in my field of work.”
Alongside gaining valuable experience in her new role Lauren is also hoping to build up a reputation as a designer with her own Facebook page and blog showcasing her bespoke textile and surface designs.
“I’m planning to stay long term working for Crystal Galleries but the ultimate dream would be to have my own business one day,” said Lauren.
“Being at CCAD gave me the confidence to believe in myself and my work. It was difficult but worth it. The tutors were phenomenal, straight talking and very supportive and it has helped me to get a foothold on the career ladder.”
To view Lauren’s work log on to Facebook.com/laparnelldesigns or www.laurenalicesstudio.blogspot.co.uk
For more information on opportunities at CCAD contact (01642) 288888 or log on to www.ccad.ac.uk.