Two students have made their contribution to the history of Falmouth University after winning a competition to design a ceremonial mace.
Second year sustainable product design students Callum Corbett and Robert Garraway won the Making of the Mace competition after impressing judges with their design proposal featuring two intertwining silver helixes around a charred Cornish oak centre pillar.
Callum said: “The design depicts the institution’s journey from a small arts college to becoming Cornwall’s first university. The bottom of the base is representative of a seed, alluding to its humble beginnings.
“Emerging from within the seed is a charred, Cornish oak core and two intertwining silver helixes symbolising the flourishing university campuses and the beloved traditions of Cornwall and the South West.”
Robert added: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for us professionally and I’m delighted to be part of something with such longevity.”
The pair, both from the South West of England, were keen to respond to the regional emphasis within the design brief, and submitted a full proposal along with computer aided design (CAD) modelling alongside a sketchbook documenting their influences.
Professor Anne Carlisle, university vice-chancellor and chief executive, said: “The standard of entries was outstanding but the winners’ simplicity of design, rich concept and pairing of materials really impressed the judges.
Both Callum and Robert are a credit to their course and will be responsible for an important element of history for both the university and the region.”
The winning design will be brought to life by Dr David Hawkins, associate dean of research and innovation at Falmouth. Dr Hawkins, who previously designed Plymouth University’s mace, will work with Callum and Robert to ensure the production remains true to the original design, and the process will be captured in a short film and exhibition.
Previously, the university has paid to use the ceremonial maces of Falmouth and Penryn town councils.
The new mace will be officially unveiled at the 2014 graduation ceremony in September.
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