Paula Aziz, is studying MA Visual Practice and with the support of the Development Office she was able to apply to take part in a two-week course at the British School at Athens, funded by the Richard Lynne Studham Scholarship. Paula was one of only 12 students worldwide chosen to attend.
“My passion for ceramics encompasses history, primitive techniques, production, and at present my studies are mainly based on Greek pottery,” says Paula. “The experience, knowledge, friendships, confidence, and future possibilities gained from my trip to Athens has given me a whole new perspective.”
Paula attended lectures covering archaeology, ceramics, iconography, plaster stucco and Islamic art. Dr Guy Sanders, Director of the American school at Corinth, presented a lecture to the group of students and gave them a guided tour of the ruins at Agra Corinth. Paula also visited Hadrian’s Library, and the Colosseum at Sparta.
“Viewing the huge theatre at Sparta and discovering more about the importance of material analysis to help historians piece together a region's style, costume, food, and culture was one of the highlights,” says Paula. “The hospitality of the visiting professors at the British School Library encouraged a unique level playing field, and on our final day I gave a 15-minute presentation on the geology of Corinthian glaze production.”
The scholarship, which supports Masters students studying ceramics, is sponsored by Richard Studham, a world renowned ceramic artist, who started his journey as a student in Sunderland in the 1960s.
Richard Studham said: “As the university was instrumental in founding my lifelong career, I felt it only right that I should offer in return financial assistance to a worthy candidate who could profit from a donation in a similar field of study.
“The scholarship allows a student to expand their knowledge in specific research within their discipline that would not normally be available without such funding. It gives me great pleasure to participate in this venture."
“I’m now in my fifth year at University of Sunderland at the age of 57. I never want to leave education, it has given me such unexpected zest for life.”