Staff and students at Taunton College have played a key role in bringing the Somerset Dragon to life, creating the seven-foot centrepiece for Somerset Day 2026 as part of a collaboration with Passion for Somerset CIC.
The college was approached to design and build the dragon, which will travel across the county as part of the Journey of the Somerset Dragon in the lead-up to Somerset Day in May 2026. Staff and students embraced the opportunity, working together across departments to turn the concept into a striking creation celebrating Somerset’s heritage and identity.
The project became a cross-college collaboration, giving students the opportunity to work on a live brief similar to those they may encounter in industry. From early designs and prototypes through to the final build, students were involved at every stage.
Carpentry and joinery students constructed the dragon’s internal wooden framework, creating a strong structure capable of travelling safely around the county. Art and design students then shaped the exterior using wire mesh and canvas dipped in PVA, before applying durable Jesmonite, a water-based, solvent-free material, to create a weatherproof finish. Pigments were added for colour, while the finished design incorporates Somerset-inspired details such as Glastonbury Tor and apples from the county’s cider orchards. The dragon was completed with hand-painted features, LED lighting and striking blue acrylic elements including the tongue, dorsal spikes, tail and claws.
The project gave students valuable real-world experience beyond the classroom. Working on a commissioned project helped them develop practical skills in design, construction, teamwork and problem-solving while responding to a professional brief. It also provided a strong addition to students’ portfolios for university applications and future careers.
This project is a fantastic example of community spirit and excellence in action. Our students were given the opportunity to work on a real project that celebrates Somerset, and they embraced it with creativity, skill and enthusiasm. It enabled them to collaborate across different subject areas, showcase their talents and contribute to something that will be seen and enjoyed by communities across the county.”
Vanessa Hughes
Assistant Principal at Taunton College
I’m so proud, I created the concept which I shared with the build team who brought the concept to life; they did such a great job. I’m off to uni in September to study architectural technology and design, I’ve had such an amazing year on the Foundation Art Diploma course at the College, who would have thought I’d be designing a dragon that would have its own roadshow across Somerset?
Leticia
Student – Art & Design Foundation Diploma
Unveiled at Thatchers Cider Farm in Sandford, the Somerset Dragon will now travel across towns and villages in the run-up to Somerset Day, celebrating the creativity of Taunton College students and bringing communities together across the county.
If you would like to find out more about studying an Art & Design course at Taunton College visit www.tauntoncollege.ac.uk