We are extremely proud to see our esteemed colleague, Paul Taylor, receive a Golden Apple Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s annual education awards ceremony.
Paul is a lecturer on the Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design and has been nurturing and developing students, and their talents for around 40 years. He not only supports our valued students but is a highly respected mentor to colleagues.
Carlisle College Principal, Sarah McGrath, said, “I could not be happier to share that Paul Taylor has received a Lifetime Achievement Golden Apple Award. Since I first met Paul, over a decade ago, I have been impressed and inspired by him. As have so many other colleagues, students, and partners. Not only is he one of the kindest and most generous people you could hope to meet, he is also an amazing artist and inspirational teacher. Pulling together the nomination for Paul, from the many testimonials that staff and students put forward, was an absolute pleasure and gave me a chance to really see how much he means to so many people. I honestly could not think of anyone who deserves this award more!”
Paul encourages all his students to push themselves and come out of their comfort zones, supporting them to learn through experimentation and getting things wrong. In 2024, Paul was invited to speak at the Royal College of Art, London, about pedagogy and how to effectively deliver the Foundation Programme.
The Foundation Programme is traditionally a bridging programme between A levels and University, but more students are choosing to come directly to College to study art without doing A levels as a result of the amazing reputation that the programme has. Thanks largely to Paul.
The course is a diagnostic art programme which, in Paul’s words, aims to allow students to discover their own specialisms and skill sets and challenges them to improve and develop, it lets them try out things and discover where they fit. This fits perfectly with Paul’s teaching ethos and the way he works with every single learner to help them find and develop their own style.
As one of his students says, “Paul is remarkably adept at recognising each student's areas of strength and growth, and he helps us use these to produce meaningful, excellent art—always in a way that is encouraging and supportive.”
Kyra, Foundation Diploma student.
Every year Paul arranges a trip to Barcelona with his students ahead of them starting their Final Major Projects. A great example of Paul’s original approach and willingness to go that bit further for his students was the way he approached Covid. When the pandemic first hit Europe, he was in Barcelona with his students. They managed to get the last flight out of Spain and then all had to go into isolation. As soon as this happened Paul moved online with his students. Rather than taking it as an opportunity to ease up he immediately started thinking about how he could ensure his students still got a valuable experience.
Once the country went into lockdown the awarding body (UAL) announced that they were cancelling the need for students to complete Final Major Projects that year. Paul didn’t feel that was fair on students and didn’t want them to miss out on the experience of creating and displaying their work. So, instead, he set up the Archipelago Virtual Art School. Through this, students continued to be challenged to develop and improve their work. Artwork was then sent to different venues across the world and photographed in front of famous landscapes such as the Brooklyn Bridge and Tokyo Tower, with these images then being exhibited through social media.
Another example is the connections he has made with Theatre by the Lake. For the last 10 years students have had the opportunity to design posters for the films at Keswick Film Festival which have been displayed as part of the festival. A great opportunity for learners to get their work seen by large audiences.
Paul’s students have progressed on to prestigious Art Colleges around the country such as Central St Martin’s, London College of Fashion, Northumbria, Leeds Arts Uni and Glasgow School of Art, with some of these colleges now actively recruiting students from the Carlisle College Foundation Diploma because they know how high the standards will be. Many of Paul’s students go on to have amazing careers in the creative sector. For example, one of his previous students went on to work at ID magazine and is now Head of the MA fashion marketing programme in Paris.
As part of Paul’s award, students and colleagues came together to share their experiences of working with Paul.
“I would like to nominate Paul Taylor for his exceptional contribution as Foundation Art tutor. His quiet, consistent, unwavering support of both students and colleagues sets him apart from others. Paul is someone who works quietly and consistently behind the scenes, always ready to help, always kind, and always encouraging. What truly sets Paul apart is his vision. He recognised the value of experiential learning and saw the immense benefits a trip to Barcelona could offer. Thanks to his careful planning and enthusiasm, students have experienced the city’s rich artistic culture first hand—drawing inspiration from its galleries, architecture, and vibrant street life.
Paul also understood the potential of pop-up shops as a real-world platform for students to showcase and sell their work. Through these initiatives, he not only gave students valuable creative and business experience but also helped them build confidence in their artistic voice. His dedication, foresight, and gentle encouragement have had a lasting impact on everyone lucky enough to work with or be taught by him. Paul has the ability to inspire confidence, nurture creativity, and build a positive atmosphere making a lasting difference. The impact of his encouragement and the care he puts into everything he does continues long after the sketchbooks are closed.”
Kath Kelly, Progress Coach
“Paul is undeniably the 'arts' Chevalier, who undoubtedly deserves this Golden apple award to shine everyday as he does...and it would sit well amongst his plants! When anyone calls upon Paul he is there 150%, without a grumble, he will jump through hoops, he will make what seems like an impossibility, possible! He is a kind soul, oozes charisma, and... style, which must be added! He makes sure he makes time for everyone, whether a student of his own, or ten more from ten different courses, or a colleague, he will adhere to anyone, at any time.
Paul is highly dextrous, he is brilliant, smart, astute, perceptive, keen, sharp, and wise. We thank our lucky stars every day to be working alongside him, not only as a colleague, but genuinely as our best friend, who also happens to yield the most astounding creativity in his bones. He is an exceptional tutor, he is phenomenal! A gentile human, fun, loving being, his sense of humour is addictive, waving his arms around giving insightful and exciting lectures- students are hooked.
We personally feel utterly blessed, as every single student does, who walks through the door of his studio, they can support that his long lasting impact, changes young people's lives forever, not only seeing the world differently through art and culture, but supporting students in their own personal life changes, seeing potential in young people, when sometimes they struggle to find it in themselves. His imaginative trajectory for each student ensures that they embrace the unimaginable and run with free with their ideas. There is a very strong alliance of both past and present students in the Paul Taylor fan club, a life time of devotees, and as I chant on a weekly basis with Paul, having a laugh together, 'there's is only - one Paul Taylor, it is true, and deepfelt from the heart!! Paul is our unsung hero; he is a masterpiece!”
Wendy Oxley, Tutor
“Paul is an amazing tutor throughout the course. He always gives thoughtful, helpful feedback and really listens to what you’re trying to achieve in your work. He encourages creativity without ever being overbearing and creates a relaxed, respectful atmosphere in the studio. I’ve learned so much from him and always feel more confident after our tutorials. He truly deserves this nomination.”
Méabh, Foundation Diploma Student.
“There is nothing he doesn't know, even if you are doing something completely different from the rest of the group, he can still recommend things for you to look at. But if he is unfamiliar with an artist or concept, he will go and research it to understand what you are thinking/ wanting to do. Very open in terms of what you want to do, anything is possible, and he wants us to do what we want, whilst also pushing us to do the best that we can.”
Lucy, Foundation Diploma Student.
“Paul creates such a comfortable and open environment to work in. He’s got this steady, reassuring presence that makes it easy to ask questions or talk through ideas without pressure. He always takes the time to understand where you’re coming from and gives feedback that’s clear and helpful. He’s genuinely one of the most thoughtful and consistent tutors I’ve ever had.”
Lous, Foundation Diploma Student.
“Paul is the heart and soul of the Arts building, going above and beyond for both learners and staff. He is an amazing gentleman who at the drop of a hat will help with anything asked of him even when it has no benefit to him at all. Paul has designed posters, tickets and banners for our college musicals for 6 years and doing so takes time and commitment from his own jobs to produce excellent designs and marketing for the Performing Arts Course. He has a creative mind and loves to help when set arrives for college musicals giving us hints and tips to improve all areas of the hired set. Paul is always my go to! He knows the answer to everything!
Paul is always on hand when Performing Arts students are looking for art equipment or help with set projects, he never says no to helping anyone! Paul has a warm and kind soul and brings light to the college on a day to day basis. He is an amazing colleague and has helped me grow during my time as a colleague here. Paul is an excellent mentor and teacher, and this is also evident from all of the kind words said about him from staff and students.”
Amber, Performing Arts Tutor.
“Paul has been amazing as a tutor over the last year studying in Carlisle and has made me feel supported throughout the whole process. Paul is incredibly knowledgeable in his practice and by far one of the best teachers I have had during my time in education both through allowing me to grow my skills as an artist and through being a kind supportive individual.”
Emma, Foundation Diploma Student.
When asked why Paul enjoyed working on the Foundation Diploma programme, he said: “It is the sense of students discovering something about themselves they didn’t know – discovering the best of themselves. At least one night per year I go home and cry in gratitude for a student who has realised that what they do and who they are, has value and that they belong in the world in some way – they have found their place.”
Paul Taylor, Foundation Diploma in Art & Design Tutor
Main image credit: Jonny Becker Photography / Newsquest