TEENAGERS’ SECTION: CONCEPTS AND DESIGNS
I am an A-Level student based in Acomb, York I work for the family business, a Registered Charity, New Visuality. This Easter I led a group of York College students in intergenerational activities at English Martyrs, Our Lady's parish hall, and Lidgett Community Cafe. My Dad, Greg McGee, Director of the charity, mentioned there’s a possibility for us to design a work of Art for the St Edward’s the St Edward The Confessor C Of E Church. This is greatly exciting.
“More people in my generation are turning to churches a s place to try and make sense of what is a messy, dark world. We appreciate this opportunity to make art out associations of what is a place of much needed peace.”
THESE ARE OUR DESIGNS
We enjoyed mixing Prussian Blue with Cobalt Blue to get the correct blue background or ("Azure"). The blue is symbolic, representing truth, loyalty, and the heavenly realm. It most prominently appears in his attributed coat of arms a gold cross and five gold birds on a blue shield— which has become a central motif in English royal identity
“Medieval saints are iconic for a reason. We're playing with that idea without being disrespectful.”
Niall, aged 17
quote from St Edward: "I shall not die but shall live Departing from the land of the dying, I hope to see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living"
Steampunk could be a viable option for depicting medieval saints because it respectfully blends historical reverence with creative interpretation The style emphasizes craftsmanship, symbolism, and purpose qualities closely aligned with the virtues saints embodied. By incorporating intricate, handcrafted elements, steampunk mirrors the artistry of medieval religious works while offering a fresh visual language
Rather than mocking tradition, it reimagines it, making these figures more accessible and engaging to modern audiences. This approach can highlight the timeless relevance of their faith, devotion, and moral guidance, presenting their legacy in a way that feels both imaginative and respectful St Edward the Confessor resonates with young people today through his emphasis on kindness, humility, and integrity In a fastpaced, often pressured world, his commitment to peace over power and faith over status offers a refreshing example He represents authenticity and moral courage, qualities many young people value and aspire to embody.
PANE-FULLY BEAUTIFUL DESIGNS
St Edward, both the man and the church, remains relevant through stained glass, vibrant design, cultural heritage, and the ability to inspire reflection today.
“The detailed stonework, arched windows, and sense of height create a feeling of grandeur and history.” Dylan, aged 17
DRINGHOUSES ON THE DOORSTEP
TERRY’S TODAY
Victorian chocolates remain exciting today because of their rich heritage, elegant packaging, and timeless craftsmanship Their sense of tradition, indulgence, and nostalgia continues to appeal to modern audiences seeking quality and authenticity.
The Terry family from Dringhouses in York should be remembered for their innovation in confectionery, creating iconic chocolates, supporting local industry, and shaping the city’s cultural and economic heritage with lasting national significance.
Terry’s Victorian adverts remain iconic for their rich colour, ornate design, and storytelling. They combine elegance with marketing innovation, showcasing products as luxurious experiences. Their detailed imagery, heritage branding, and nostalgic charm continue to captivate audiences, reflecting both artistic craftsmanship and the enduring appeal of classic British confectionery traditions.
MOSAIC EXPLAINED
We would work with the final design and a collection of smaller photos. The software analyzes the colours of the small photos to match them to the corresponding sections of the main image, creating a detailed mosaic. So if we went with St Edward the Confessor as a Stained Glass Church, the smaller images that made up the collage could be of photos of parishioners or their photos, a collection we would organise ourselves.
Customisation: The process enables users to adjust the colors, and density of the tiles to ensure the final image is clear, allowing for both a distinct "big picture" from a distance and visible, individual memories upon close inspection.
Collaboration: Our process allows multiple people to submit photos, making it ideal for welcoming the input of St Edward the Confessor’s parishioners We thought old photos would be cool, but we're open to suggestions. Porch Magazine looks like an amazing resource
Our charity New Visuality works with a lot of churches. English Martyrs, St Hilda’s, St Paul’s, Christ Church. We enjoy being around the peace of the people around churches. Whatever you’d like us to go with, I hope that this small digi-magazine shows that we will approach this opportunity with both professionalism and a sense of fun I hope also that the idea of a big picture collage, made up of tiny semi-opaque photos sent in by local residents, is as exciting to you as it is to us. We are looking forward to your feedback.
INTERGENERATIONAL CHATS IN YORK
We have had some experience in working with people in this area, especially via York College This proposed collage, tentatively titled The 5 Doves, will be a celebration of not only St Edward The Confessor C Of E Church but all parishes in York and will last as a positive totem
isla@accordingtomcgee com