A team of young apprentices from one of Scotland’s leading construction firms has helped bring British designer, Paul Smith’s highly anticipated fashion and design exhibition to life.
Thirteen apprentices worked on customising space in The Lighthouse, Scotland’s Centre for Design and Architecture in Glasgow to accommodate “Hello, My Name is Paul Smith” a touring exhibition by the Design Museum, London, which launched in the city last week. The exhibition traces the designer’s development from the early 1970s until present day.
The team commenced work on the project in November last year. They were given a photograph of the designer’s first shop in Byard Lane and worked hard to replicate the space. The apprentices also helped create a visual room called “Inside Paul’s Head” which gives an insight into the designer’s mind. The team also provided joinery, electrical, painting and decorating skills to ensure the space was ready in time for the opening.
In addition to the work carried out by the apprentices the company’s supported manufacturing facility, Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft Industries (RSBI), also provided all the timber elements to create the rooms as well as the plinth that the original signature stripe mini sits upon.
The City Building team that worked along with other volunteers on the project were invited to meet Paul Smith before the exhibition opened to the public.
Apprentice painter and decorator, Lisa Murphy, 19 from Glasgow, said: “It was really exciting to get the chance to work on the exhibition. I painted the plinth that Paul Smith’s famous stripe Mini sits on, which is going to go around the world. I loved working on it – it really was the chance of a lifetime and an experience I won’t forget in a hurry.
“We were all really excited to meet Paul. He thanked us for our hard work and signed all our overalls as a keepsake of the exhibition so we would have something to remember it by.”
Cllr. James Adams, Chair, City Building, said: “This was a great opportunity for our apprentices to showcase their skills in a different environment. They were all really engaged with the project and did an excellent job.
“The high quality job the team produced on this project is testament to their professionalism and hard work and I’d like to congratulate everyone involved.”
Ian Elder, The Lighthouse added: “It was a pleasure to work with the apprentices from City Building and give them experience of working in a ‘live’ environment. The feedback we’ve had so far about the exhibition has been nothing but positive and I’d like to thank the apprentices once again for their time and great work.”
The “Hello, My Name is Paul Smith” exhibition is at The Lighthouse until 20 March 2016 and is expected to attract around 10,000 visitors.
