East Kent College Folkestone and Leas Lift are thrilled to present an exhibition of Level 3 Year 2 Art & Design students work. The exhibition explores the cultural, historical, and architectural significance of the region’s iconic Funicular Lift, which has long been a symbol of the town’s relationship with the sea and its evolving urban landscape. By drawing on the structure of the lift as a source of inspiration, the students have created an array of innovative works, from sculptural pieces and digital art to photography, painting, and textile design.
For this exhibition, students have delved into the local heritage, examining the lifts’ functional and aesthetic roles in shaping the community’s daily life. They have incorporated elements such as materials, colours, and architectural forms, blending contemporary techniques with historical references.
The works making up the exhibition are a fusion of the traditional and modern, as each student interprets Folkestone’s lifts in their own distinct way. From intricate mixed-media collage works that highlight the layered textures of the lifts’ structure, to children’s book illustration which incorporates the lift as a central theme, this show celebrates the creative response to an everyday object elevated to iconic status.
Community engagement is at the heart of the Folkestone Leas Lift National Lottery Heritage funded-funded restoration project, which is taking place throughout 2025 with a re-opening of the iconic funicular Lift planned in spring 2026.
