Revelry Spirits provides labels as a canvas to support local artists

A North East urban distillery is working with students from The Northern School of Art to showcase local talent. Revelry Spirits who produce premium gin and vodka from their premises in Yarm are embarking on a campaign to profile the excellent standard of work produced from creatives within our region.

The idea came after master distiller Liam Price visited the School’s Degree Show earlier this year. Impressed with the quality of work he was keen to increase exposure and wanted to use the distillery to allow more people access to art.

Working with The Northern School of Art and Stockton brand agency Resolution, Revelry Spirits has selected five pieces from students’ 2022 portfolios for use on the vodka label in what they are calling the Artist Series. The collection will commence on 5st August with Jem Solley’s piece ‘It’s Mint Up North’ and be replaced every three weeks with new designs from students Jasmin Proudfoot, Mia Angioy, Bag Chips and Annie Wright.

The limited-edition bottles will be on sale from the distillery in Danby Wynd, available to purchase online and from stockists around the region. All products distributed for wholesale during the period will also feature the labels with students receiving a fee per bottle sold. Each label will recognise the artist displaying their name and Instagram handle.

In an effort to increase exposure further, during the sale period, the original artwork will be displayed in the distillery for customers to view.

Explaining his motivation around the campaign, master distiller Liam Price said: “We are incredibly lucky to have such a great facility on our doorstep. The School is an asset to the region and allows students to develop their creativity, it is vital we do everything we can to promote the talents of the students.”

Discussing how the campaign adds value to the student’s education, Olivia Burton, visual arts – faculty leader at The Northern School of Art said: “Working with Revelry Spirits gives our students a fabulous opportunity to realise the relationship between the creative sector and industry. The exercise has increased their commercial awareness and allowed them to understand how their skills align with the workplace.”

The series will take the product into the Christmas sale period when all five of the bottles will be available as part of the festive gift options.

The Northern School of Art provides a range of skill-based, industry-led qualifications from Saturday Clue (age 6+), Arts Award, one-year Access to HE & Foundation Diplomas, degrees and postgraduate. Find out more at northernart.ac.uk or follow @thenorthernart