Fine art graduates from the University of Chester returned to deliver lectures to current students.

Among them was watercolour artist Thomas Plunkett, whose paintings can be found in many private collections in the UK and worldwide, including those of The Queen.

Thomas, who is the current president of the royal watercolour society, visited the Kingsway Campus along with Callum Peters, a web designer at the BBC in Salford, to talk to current art and design students about their careers and the paths they have followed since graduating.

Head of art and design at the university professor Neil Grant said: “We are very grateful to Thomas and Callum for giving up their time and for sharing their experiences with the students. It was a great opportunity for students to pick up some practical tips on developing their careers such as the importance of showcasing their work online and creating links on social networks.”

Thomas Plunkett

In addition to speaking to the students, Thomas unveiled a series of paintings that he produced to celebrate the university’s 175th anniversary in 2014/15.

The paintings include the Encaenia procession through the streets of the city of Chester into Chester Cathedral for graduation, the graduation platform party and the interior of the University Chapel, built by the original students in 1847.

The paintings are now on display in the boardroom at the university’s new Queen’s Park campus in Handbridge, with a number of limited edition prints, hand finished in watercolour, for sale on the University’s website.

Alumni and development manager Fiona Roberts added: “It was great to welcome such talented alumni back to the University. It was an honour to meet Thomas; we have been inspired by his talents and are delighted that he has created a permanent commemoration of our 175th anniversary year.”