Westminster student’s photos to be displayed at Marylebone Station

Westminster’s Expanded Photography MA student Xia Bing, commonly referred to as Summer, will have her photos displayed on platforms at Marylebone Station from 25 November until 6 March. Summer photographed local businesses for the Marylebone on Display exhibition which is run by Baker Street Quarter (BSQ), the University’s Business Improvement District (BID) partner.

The photography exhibition highlights the people behind 14 local businesses in Marylebone, including tourist attractions like Madame Tussauds and The Wallace Collection, hotels like The Landmark London or Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, and hidden gems like Howarth of London on Chiltern Street, or Meacher Higgins and Thomas Pharmacy on Crawford Street.

Throughout the project that was funded by the Chiltern Railways’ Community Investment Fund, Summer was supervised by Justin Korotva, BSQ's Head of Marketing and Communications, who supported her throughout the project showing her the ropes with insurance, terminology and model management.

The BSQ partnership is a Business Improvement District committed to enhancing the experience, vibrancy and sense of community in the Baker Street and Marylebone areas. Through a variety of projects and initiatives, the partnership supports local businesses and enhances the neighbourhood for residents, workers and visitors alike. The exhibition is part of their ongoing efforts to celebrate the people and stories that make this area unique.

Justin Korotva said: “Summer’s photography turned out beautifully, and we are pleased to have worked with the University of Westminster on the Marylebone on Display exhibition as part of a well-rounded community initiative supported by the Chiltern Railways Community Investment Fund. It was a valuable learning experience both for me in working with photography students, and hopefully, for Summer in gaining client project experience.”

Linsey Cole, Director of Business Engagement at Westminster, added: “This is a great example of our ever-expanding partnership with the BSQ that has led to so many opportunities our students to connect with their membership organisations giving them real work experiences on our doorstep.”

Summer added: "It's a great honour to work with BSQ's partners and to see the vitality of the whole Marylebone neighbourhood, how it's made up of all these streets, shops and lovely people, a very unique experience for anyone living in London."

Summer’s work for the exhibition directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.

Learn more about the University’s Baker Street Quarter partnership.