Bespoke personalised urns are being created by a University of Salford graduate.
Gillian Davenport, who graduated with a first class degree in Fine Art in summer 2019, has launched her business Bespoke Sculptural Art which produces sculptures, urns and memorials.
Gillian creates sculptural memorials out of wood, concrete, glass, Perspex and other materials bespoke to the individual client. She also hopes to incorporate family hand casts.
She explained: “My main priority is that I don’t want the sculptures to look like an urn, I don’t want people to look at them and think they’re an urn.
“I want the sculptures to be bespoke to the individual client. If the client tells me that they have a special memory of a place that reminds them of the person, I will visit that place and collect items to use in the sculpture.”
The idea came from when Gillian sadly lost both of her parents during her degree.
She said: “When I received my parent's ashes, they came in plastic bags and a plastic container, it wasn’t very dignified.
“I’m starting this business to make sure that no one else has to experience that.”
Gillian was also chosen to work on a commission with the University of Salford’s Clifford Whitworth library titled The Legacy Garden.
The Launch @SalfordUni Business Incubator has been supporting Gillian with access to office space, masterclasses and one-to-one sessions with entrepreneurs and experts from the University of Salford Business School.
She said: “The support from Launch has been invaluable. I walked in completely blind with just an idea and they have helped me with marketing, digital skills, and creating a business plan.”
Gillian is also working with students from the University of Salford who are working on a brand-new website for her.
Justyna Turner, Incubation Manager at Launch @SalfordUni, said: “Gillian is incredibly creative, and her designs are very eye catching, yet tasteful. She has worked very hard on her business plan and engaged with the advice on offer. I am sure that incubator has given her the skills to really help her grow her business.”
For more information about Bespoke Sculptural Art and some examples of the work Gillian has already produced visit the website (link expired).
For all press office enquiries please contact Jessica Millington via email at j.k.millington@salford.ac.uk or phone 0161 295 2238.