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Ryan Abrahams, aged 21 from Bristol, created the winning design. He is currently studying for a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Weston College. His cohort, along with second year Level 3 graphic design course students, were tasked with designing a logo and brand identity concepts as part of a live client brief.
This follows the announcement that the Knife Angel will visit Weston in May 2024 as part of a nationwide tour to highlight the issue of violent crime. The iconic 27-feet-tall statue has been created from over 100,000 knives and blades confiscated by the UK’s 43 police forces. Designed by Alfie Bradley at the British Ironwork Centre (BIC), the Knife Angel is a national monument against violence and aggression.
Councillor James Clayton, North Somerset Council’s executive member for safety in the community, said: “Violent crime, particularly knife crime, is a major issue across the UK. The Knife Angel symbolises the devastating impacts that this can have on communities. What a brilliant idea to get this group of talented young people involved in creating a logo that can be used before, during and after the Knife Angel’s visit.
“Ryan has created a visually striking design that I’m sure will help to make sure the Knife Angel’s powerful message leaves a positive and lasting impact. Well done to him, and indeed all of the students who took part in the brief. It was hard to choose an overall winning design as the submissions were so strong.”
Coralie Kyriacou, Graphic Design and Digital Arts course co-ordinator and lecturer at Weston College, said: “The Knife Angel represents a real-life problem and something that needs considered communications to help strengthen the public’s understanding around the important issue of violent crime.
“I feel honoured that our graphic design students have been given this opportunity to work with North Somerset Council on this. Live briefs are a fantastic opportunity for our students to work with clients, develop their professionalism, confidence and specialised design skills to enable them to become industry-ready for future careers.”
Ryan Abrahams, Weston College graphic design student and the designer of the logo, said: “It’s a real honour to have my logo chosen to represent Knife Angel for North Somerset, as knife crime is such a current and growing problem. Being involved in this project makes me feel really proud of the work I’ve done.”
The North Somerset VRP, who successfully bid for the statue to come to North Somerset, is working with a range of organisations and community groups to curate a month-long programme throughout the Knife Angel’s time on display at the Italian Gardens. Plans for this activity, all themed around violent crime, include educational workshops, art installations and awareness performances.
More information about the Knife Angel’s visit to North Somerset can be found at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/knifeangel.
The two images below are credited to Chris Beynon from Weston College. Image one shows winner Ryan Abrahams with officers from the North Somerset Violence Reduction Partnership. Image two shows the graphic design students, their tutor Coralie Kyriacou (L), and the officers.
