An inspiring #IClapFor animation designed by a Bucks graduate thanking nursing students and NHS workers has been projected on to the side of the University.

The minute-long clip of hands clapping, designed by alumnus Ian Berry, was projected on to the University's South Wing building in Queen Alexandra Road from Wycombe Hospital car park, running for two hours, with people watching, standing two metres apart.

The 'Clapping Hands' animation featuring Ian's denim artwork celebrates frontline workers fighting Covid-19, and is being shown nationally and internationally, raising funds as well as awareness, and the University was delighted to welcome it to Bucks.

The work has already been shown in Colombia, Brazil, Italy, Sweden and the United States, and projected on to fire stations and even the Angel of the North sculpture in the UK, with Ian saying he never expected it to be so successful.

Ian, who studied BA (Hons) Creative Advertising, said his six-year-old son, Elliott, came up with the idea because he loved the clapping on a Thursday, saying it was the highlight of his week.

Ian (pictured) said he worked on the artwork from photos taken by Elliott and once he started sharing it word about it spread.

"I started this period (of lockdown) wanting to go quiet, off the radar and get lots of work done," he said.

"When I have been by the projection, though, the feedback has been very good, from seeing care workers to the cool kids in Hackney Wick, and I have received great comments and online.

"I’ve got some great comments, especially when you ask the question ‘who do you clap for’?

"I know there is a small but passionate backlash about clapping, however, if you make it personal, no one can question me for clapping for family and friends.”

Industry-renowned projectionist Ben Fender has brought the animation to life, and Ian said he was brought together with him by his former Bucks lecturer, Julie Wright. 

He added: "Julie's step-daughter is good friends with Ben and when he was told about this project he like the idea, even if it is so much more simple than the big elaborate and technical projections he does."

Ben said he was proud to be part of the project, and said: "There is no money involved in this - it is just to spread a nice humanitarian message.

"It has grown after Ian started to send the animation to the video artist community and people have been playing it from their bedroom windows and on to their neighbours' houses."  

Professor SriKartini Leet, who heads the University's School of Art, Design and Performance, worked with Ian to set up the event and was pleased it was a success.

She added: "We're really proud of Ian and I'm delighted we were able to 'host' his artwork. The amount of support we had to make this event happen was overwhelming." If you wish to donate to Ian's chosen charities please visit the #iclapfor website.