College alumni Beth wins international design award

A former Sunderland College student’s unique interior designs have been honoured at the prestigious FESPA Awards.

Beth Travers’ innovative use of printed materials and digital technologies to create a stunning new look for Leila Lily’s bar in Newcastle wowed the judges and beat competition from around the world in the ‘Printeriors’ category.

The project features hand drawn sketches and custom printed luxury interior furnishings which gave her first place over entrants from as far afield as India and Italy.

Beth, who runs her own company, BOBO 1325 in Manchester, said: “I am so proud of the award, particularly because I am originally from the North East so it’s really special that I won it for my work on a project from there.

“Leila Lily’s is an incredible venue, and it was amazing to be part of it.

“The awards were originally supposed to be held in Madrid and I had tickets to go but because of COVID-19 it had to be held remotely. But the fact that I managed to win made up for the fact we had to ‘attend’ a virtual ceremony.”

Atul Malhotra, Operations Director of The Malhotra Group PLC which owns Leila Lily’s, was also delighted with the award win.

He said: “We know that Leila Lily’s is something special and it’s fantastic that this has been recognised internationally. Beth did a fantastic job, so much so that she is now working with on The Three Mile Inn Gosforth and the refurbishment plans for Osbourne’s in Jesmond as well.”

Looking to increase her skillset, Beth studied BTEC Art & Design at the college’s Shiney Row Campus, with the hope of progressing to university.

Inspired by the creative and friendly atmosphere on campus, where no two days were the same, Beth says her time at Sunderland College opened doors for her in the design industry.

She added: “I really loved college. It is a great platform to get you started on your further education journey. It gives you the confidence you need for university but also help you develop your skills and discover your design style.

“No day was the same: fine art, photography, textiles, graphic design. I was inspired by the variety of the design briefs, and enjoyed people coming in and giving talks about their career, showing their work and telling us of their journey to where they are now. It made me believe it was possible.

“Studying at Sunderland College gave me the tools so I could go confidently to university, then into the design world. Without college I would not be where I am today designing for hotels and bars and supplying products all over the world.”