Trowers & Hamlins celebrates 50th anniversary of Manchester office with The Manchester College collaboration

As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations in Manchester, law firm Trowers & Hamlins has commissioned students at The Manchester College to produce five pieces of artwork highlighting key Manchester themes.

The students are enrolled on several courses at The Manchester College. Four of the works will be produced by individual students aged 16-18 years old on the UAL Extended Diploma in Art and Design course, while the fifth piece is a collaboration from students on the UAL Foundation Art and Design 18+ course. Students will unveil their artwork at Trowers & Hamlins' celebration event in mid-November where they will discuss their work with guests.

Suzanne Benson, partner and regional head of the Manchester office at Trowers & Hamlins, said: "We are really pleased to be able to combine our office's 50th anniversary celebrations with our collaboration with the art students at The Manchester College."

"We are proud of our long-standing presence in Manchester and the part we have been able to play in supporting our clients' projects to transform the city and its surrounds during the last 50 years. Whilst our 50th anniversary is a time to reflect, it is also a time to look forward. This is why we are so pleased to be working with Manchester's next generation – whose names and work could very well be synonymous with Manchester in 50 years' time – on pieces that celebrate Manchester past and present."

She added, "Students have been encouraged to use their choice of medium and technique for the pieces so we are really excited to see what they produce, and to share their work on our social media channels. We will also be running an auction to give people an opportunity to purchase the artwork which will raise money for Manchester-based homeless charity, Lifeshare's Christmas fund."

Since opening in 1973, Trowers & Hamlins' Manchester office on Princess Street has grown to a team of over 150 people offering multiple areas of expertise, supporting clients in both public and private sectors, with a particular focus on real estate, construction, corporate, commercial disputes, employment and finance. 

Bettina Halpern, department team leader for the Visual Art Department at The Manchester College, said: "The collaboration between The Manchester College art students in creating artwork to commemorate Trowers & Hamlins' 50th anniversary in Manchester is a testament to the power of art to bridge past and present. Their work not only celebrates a half-century of success but also embodies the spirit of innovation and creativity that will undoubtedly shape the future. It's a wonderful fusion of art and history that reminds us of the vibrant and ever-evolving cultural tapestry of this city." 

Fiona Donald, tutor at The Manchester College, added: "The students have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of working to a live brief and researching familiar places and spaces with fresh eyes."