A floral project from Nicola

When Nicola Thompson relaxes after her graduation from the University of Teesside today, she may be sitting on a fragrant chair made by her own hands. For Nicola designed a floral chair as part of her final degree project.

Nicola, 41, from Yearby near Redcar, will graduate today, Thursday 22 November, with a BA (Hons) Contemporary 3D Design (Lifestyle Furniture) degree. She is originally from Redcar but left the area after her A levels and moved to Manchester. While there she worked behind the bar of the legendary and influential Hacienda club.

When Nicola’s mother became ill, she returned to the Tees Valley and studied for a foundation course in Art at Cleveland College of Art & Design. She followed this with a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Shoe and Accessory Design in London. After the HND, she returned home again to help set up a school and nursery furniture business ‘Play to Learn.’

Nicola found out about the Design degree after visiting the University’s Course Information Centre. She said: ‘The degree was related to what I did. It would give me an opportunity to learn about new materials and expand the business. The course was really challenging, I was able to be really creative and tailor the projects to suit my interests. And I improved my computer skills a thousand fold!’

For her final project, Nicola designed a chair made partly from flowers, the Posybowl. The idea was inspired by her late grandmother, Barbara Haley, who used slotted cushions to arrange flowers. The chair is also made from wools, felts and latex. In addition, Nicola designed a sheepskin version, pictured. Nicola added: ‘I’d like to see the chair made eventually. I’m going to try and develop the materials.’

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