WORCESTER students were at the heart of a new look for a historic county attraction.

A partnership between the National Trust and the University of Worcester saw city artist James Roberts mentor three graphic design students to come up with a new look for Croome Court, near Pershore.

The students, with help and guidance from Mr Roberts, who runs Method Design, based in Grange Avenue, Bevere, Worcester, were tasked with producing new corporate branding for Croome Court, including logo design and stationery, as well as signage to be used around the house and grounds.

“I was very honoured to be chosen by the National Trust and to be entrusted with this type of initiative,” said Mr Roberts. “The National Trust has loved work that we have produced in the past and wanted me to help and guide the students to successfully complete the project.

“We met up every week and I took them to some creative agencies and also some large format printers to give them a good idea about the working environment.

“I also gave them insight and advice into applying for jobs, the graphic design industry and how to approach potential employers or go about starting up as freelancers.”

On the team was student, Heather Mcginty, who said having an experienced designer as a mentor helped her.

“I found the process a great challenge, it gave me experience in dealing with a large client, budgeting, adaption and deadlines,” she said.

“We worked with the National Trust for two days a week and we really had to make the most of every hour with the quantity and quality of work expected.

“It was great to have an established designer backing up your work to the client because, as a graduate, I didn’t feel I had the confidence to disagree with a design decision the client wanted to make.

“However, James could voice his and our opinions as designers confidently and it was taken on board.”

The National Trust’s creative director at Croome, Tom Bennett, who selected the team and oversaw the project, said the initiative had historic beginnings.

“The philosophy of using up-and-coming designers runs through Croome’s history with Capability Brown being given his big break by the Earl of Coventry,” he said.

The new branding is set to be rolled out to the public in November.