Student success at the annual BA (Hons) Textile Design Industry Awards

Industry guests and colleagues were invited to judge and award third year student work. This year’s judging panel included: Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director at Dulux and CiDA Founder, Jack Baxter and Alex Maskell, from John Lewis Visual Merchandising team, Monica Cass, Director, Par-Avion, Chris Cordingly, Rory Hill and Laura Janeiro, from Art Angels Publishing, Evie Ross and Jackie Hammond, from Norwich University of the Arts Business & Employability, Hannah Henderson, Curator – Community History at the Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell, Ruth Battersby, Senior Curator – Costume and Textiles at the Norwich Castle Study Centre and Matthew Ellis, Master, Worshipful Company of Framework Knitters.

Categories and Winners

Judges Comments

Jack Baxter, from John Lewis Visual Merchandising team said “Jess was our clear winner for the Context Resolution Award from John Lewis & Partners for her exceptional ability to seamlessly blend hand-created motifs into her interior textile designs, demonstrating a remarkable talent for harmonising aesthetics with practical application, in a way that is both beautiful and commercial.”

Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director at Akzonobel Dulux said “The Textile Design course at Norwich proves consistently outstanding in its ability to nurture true individuals with high levels of craft, creativity, and the skills to communicate fresh and engaging ideas. It offers opportunities for the creative and commercial direction towards rich and rewarding future careers.”

Matthew Ellis, Master, Worshipful Company of Framework Knitters said, “Course Leader Kate Farley and Senior Lecturer, Caroline George are doing a wonderful job with their students and kindly invited me to judge their annual Textile Design Industry Awards Event.

23 students had entered 8 judging categories that included colour, presentation and confidence. Judges were given just three minutes to “interview” each student. I was asked to judge the knit element for which just 8 students were eligible but I was asked to question all 23 students, giving valuable experience to them and me! The standard was exceptionally high and inspiration had been sought from nature, sustainability and even doors in Prague! With applications ranging from hiking, fidget aides, the human body and children’s play it was very difficult to choose a winner but after careful consideration my runner up was Lottie Green and the winner was Grace Lawrence. It was an honour to have been invited and I commend all of the students for their dedication, skill and application. Knit at Norwich University of the Arts will hopefully be on the FWK Bursary Awards itinerary as a permanent fixture.”

Ruth Battersby, Senior Curator – Costume and Textiles at the Norwich Castle Study Centre said, “there was such talent and enthusiasm in the room. There was some real stand out students and it was a privilege to hear directly from them. But more than this, it was heartening to see a wide range of students were recognised, encouraging us to share out our votes to ensure it was a broad celebration of all their skills and passions. My head was whirling with gorgeous knits for hiking, cluedo inspired pyjamas, fine weaves inspired by heaths and cliffs and delicate beaded beasties! Just beautiful.

I think the students are very lucky to have experienced such a creative and supportive environment over the past few years. How lucky we are to have a thriving arts University in our city. And so close to our museums!”