Marek opens Creative Teesside in style

Teesside graduate Marek Reichman, Director of Design at Aston Martin, returned to the University in style to open the annual Creative Teesside event.

Marek, who graduated from the former Teesside Polytechnic with a first class degree in Industrial Design, brought along three Aston Martins to show off to staff and students at the Art & Design show on Tuesday evening.

He said: ‘Creative Teesside is an inspirational event which provides the perfect platform for students to showcase what they can do.

‘Teesside University is an incredibly creative place in terms of the attitude of the students and staff and the atmosphere around campus. It provided me with the foundations to be where I am today.

‘The university is in a part of the country that has a fabulous history in terms of industry and is a perfect setting for the creative field.’

Marek was awarded an Honorary Master of Science Degree in 2006 from Teesside University and was then awarded a Doctorate in Professional Achievement in 2010. He has been at Aston Martin for nine years and designed the Aston Martin DBS that appeared in Daniel Craig’s first James Bond film, Casino Royale.

Creative Teesside runs from Tuesday 26 May to Friday 29 May, exhibiting the work of art, design, English, history, media and performing arts students currently working towards their degrees at the University.

Professor Gerda Roper, Dean of the School of Arts and Media, said: ‘Creative Teesside is an opportunity to celebrate the fantastic work of our final year students.

‘They show a great amount of dedication and this event provides them with a platform to showcase their work and celebrate their achievements.’

---