The art of STE-A-M history defining moments - UK

A truly one-off opportunity

Some of our graduate and apprentice trainees got a truly one-off opportunity to work with artist Red Saunders to create some new artwork, which will be on permanent display in Derby’s new Museum of Making when it opens in September 2020.

 

Red’s inspiration is to recreate historic scenes – photographically - which show the part that Derby people have played in defining the city’s present and future through their actions. His pieces will form a collection called Derby People Histories, showing how people in Derby have shaped moments in history that have left a remarkable legacy. Rolls-Royce has played a huge part in the city’s story.

Becoming photographic models for a day

Red was fascinated by the development of our aerospace business during the early 20th century which he was keen to capture through the Merlin engine and our Spitfire aircraft.

Becoming photographic models for a day

Red was fascinated by the development of our aerospace business during the early 20th century which he was keen to capture through the Merlin engine and our Spitfire aircraft.

Our trainees became photographic models for a day, and got the full hair, make-up and wardrobe experience. They were transformed into young service men and women to create a historic scene from the 1940s when the Spitfire was in service.

However, we also challenged Red to create a second scene showing how Rolls-Royce people are creating remarkable products today that will be equally significant in aerospace history. So, a second photoshoot took place in 58 Test Bed in Derby, with our production and test colleagues taking part to create some stunning images representing a Trent 1000 engine in production.

Both images will form part of the Derby People Histories gallery in the Museum.

A significant STEM resource

The Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill will be a significant STEM resource in Derby to inspire people to design, create and make.

As well as galleries containing a vast range of objects, categorised by the material they are made from, the Museum will have workshops with both traditional and modern tools, including CNC and laser cutting machines, and 3D printers. All the fixtures and fittings in the Museum will be made by the local community in the workshops, which will also be used for STEM education activities and programmes.

Our Trent 1000 engine will be a major focal point in the building, alongside other remarkable products we have made in Derby. We are supporting Derby Museums throughout the concept and development of this Museum, and will continue to partner with them to deliver STEM outreach in the Midlands region.

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