Textiles End of Year Show Private View

The varied range of techniques and processes represent the breath of contemporary Textiles practice within the group in tandem with personal thinking and ideas development.

We are pleased to present works that have been devised and developed in the final term of the Textiles Foundation course. Themes, media and techniques are individually selected and reflect personal interests and specialisms, discussion and feedback. It is a testament to the students’ commitment, determination and good spirits, given that term 2 was delivered online, that work of such polish and resolution has resulted. The course team would like to congratulate the group and thank them for being a pleasure to work with in difficult times.

This final body of works is a culmination of the activities completed since September 2020. The course ran as an intense two days a week (Sept-June) covering a broad range of textile areas, including Print, Dye, Stitch, Knit and Constructed techniques, exploring specialisms with professional makers including those within the field of millinery and drawing and painting. All activities are underpinned by a firm foundation in drawing, thinking through design and critical evaluation alongside research skills. These challenges enable students to express ideas and develop work as independent artists and designer-makers with progression into a wide variety of career destinations, including higher education: BA & MA study, employment and personal development as textile artists.

Students come from a wide range of backgrounds and experience. The 2020-21 cohort have come together to create a diverse and supportive working environment. Some are professionals in other fields, Illustration/ Animation, Painting and Glass and have together focused on their passion for Textiles. Upon completion there are those who embark on a new creative direction in more specific textiles areas such as surface design, knit and construction. Many students will progress to the Advanced Textiles Workshop here at Morley College to continue the depth of work begun on Textile Foundation.

As Course Leader, Jenny Bell would like to extend her thanks and appreciation to the course team, Textiles Programme Manager, specialist technician and the Morley Gallery team. It is the co-operative and collaborative nature of the work that we all contribute to that allows students to have such a rich and personal experience.