Production student creates installation for Strawberry Field

Theatre and Production Technology student Steff Norman created an interactive artwork for tourist attraction and adult training centre Strawberry Field. 

Run by the Salvation Army, Strawberry Field was made famous by The Beatles song Strawberry Fields Forever. As well featuring an interactive exhibition about the band and the song, it is also home to Steps at Strawberry Field, a series of training programmes aimed at helping people with learning difficulties or other barriers to employment find work. 

Steff’s installation, Shine On! (the title is taken from the lyrics of John Lennon’s song Instant Karma) features a representation of Lennon’s iconic glasses and series of recycled CDs. It’s a celebration of graduates of the Steps at Strawberry Field scheme with each trainee invited to leave a message on one of the CDs once they complete the programme. The aim is for every graduate to feel they are leaving a lasting mark on the centre and will forever be a part of the Strawberry Field family. 

Image: Shine On! by Steff Norman.

Shine On! was unveiled by Julia Baird, John Lennon’s sister and Honorary President at Strawberry Field on 8 September. Steff, who created the installation for his third-year independent project, says he loved collaborating with the organisation. "Strawberry Field and the Salvation Army’s ethos of kindness, respect, compassion and giving back to the community are things I really believe in as well, so being able to work with them was a privilege.  

“That this work is now a permanent part of Strawberry Field hasn’t really sunk in yet and won’t do for a while. It was a pleasure to meet Julia and whole team here and that they seem to love it is great.” 

Steff graduated from LIPA this summer and will be stage manager on the upcoming touring production of The Nosey Reindeer. 

Image: Steff with original Strawberry Field gates. Top image: Steff with Julia Baird at the unveiling of Shine On!

Find out more about our Theatre & Production Technology course

Find out more about Strawberry Field