Creative Bursaries Awarded by The Company of Merchant Taylors

The Company of Merchant Taylors has awarded Creative Bursaries to a group of artistic students from York College's Art & Design, Performing Arts and Construction Divisions.

The following ten students were especially selected to receive the Bursaries from York’s historic Guild in recognition of their talents and exceptional commitment to their studies.

Music: Anya Lundie, Sam Headford, Max Roberts and Morgan Thomas

Art & Design: Erin Hitchcock, Sophie Woodliffe, Courtney Taylor and Erik Battles-Phillips

Construction: Kieran Gordon and Russell Holliday

The Company of Merchant Taylors has maintained close links with York College for many years, in support of skills training and individual student success and achievement. Annually, the Guild encourages and rewards students who excel in their chosen craft by presenting prizes at the York College Fashion Show, awarding the Creative Bursaries and supporting the Saturday Arts Club.

Philippa Lester, Past Master of the Company of Merchant Taylors, presented the students with their bursaries, saying: "The Company of Merchant Taylors encourages and supports young people in the arts and these Creative Bursaries are in keeping with the charitable aims of our Company and its historical roots in York. The skills and determination demonstrated by these students deserve our support and recognition."

Lee Probert, Chief Executive and Principal of York College commented: "The College is extremely grateful to the Company of Merchant Taylors for their generous support of our students in the arts. There is no doubt the Creative Bursaries will make a real difference to this year’s worthy recipients, each of whom has shown a passion and flair for their respective disciplines. I congratulate them all on their achievements so far and wish them well as they progress onto the next stage of their training at York College or at universities around the country.”