GSA graduates unveil Drygate brewery designs

A GROUP of Glasgow School of Art (GSA) graduates have been snapped up to design the packaging for the new craft brewery venture from two of Scotland’s most famous beer producers.

Artist Andrew Park sampling a couple of glasses of the new Drygate beer. Picture: Donald Macleod

Drygate Brewing Company - a joint venture from Tennent’s owners C&C Group and Alloa independent brewery Williams Bros - has invited the GSA alumni to design a range of artwork to appear on its labels when it launches in May.

The artists were asked to draw from inspiration from the ingredients used in the beers, as well as the brewery and its location.

The shortlisted designs were showcased at the Glasgow Print Studio today.

Artists include illustrator Paul Ryding, graphic journalist and information designer Andrew Park and artist Emma Houlston who contributed to Mulberry’s 2013 Autumn/Winter campaign.

London-based graphic designer Jack Bedford also worked on the designs with GSA graduate and senior designer Linda Sweenie.

Matthew Walkerdine and Jessica Higgens, artists and designers known as part of Good Press, also worked jointly with illustrator and printmaker Patch Keyes.

Drygate’s Managing Director, Scott Williams, said: “The exhibition viewing at Glasgow Print Studio gives people an insight into what Drygate is hoping to achieve- open doors, open minds, working together to create something truly exceptional.

“This collaboration is the first of many exciting things to come - creativity will be at the heart of everything we do at Drygate, especially the brewing.”

Plans for the Drygate Brewing Company development include a Visitor Experience where the brewing process can be viewed; a brewing centre of excellence, and a restaurant, function suite, bar, and beer garden.

The development is expected to create 16 new jobs, with the brewery set to open in the East end of Glasgow near Tennent’s Wellpark brewery in May.