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The Textiles department has had a very busy year with students making the most of opportunities which have arisen to visit exciting exhibitions and museums.

 

During their first week of the autumn term the A2 students visited a prestigious textiles exhibition at the NEC which inspired them in their practical work to experiment with new techniques.

 

In November, we were invited by Ludlow Museum to study historical and contemporary fashion, providing the A2 students with the much needed primary research for their written studies. Money from a museum grant was gratefully received to enable us to travel for free!

 

The Textiles department usually only manages one or two trips during the first term due to the hectic nature of the course. However, when a very special exhibition comes along once every 20 years or so, we simply have to work it into the programme. In December, AS and A2 students headed to London to see the Couture exhibition at the V&A. This unique showcase of exquisite samples depicted the very essence of ‘high fashion’ and the surreal world of Haute Couture during the ‘Golden Years’ between 1947 -1957. 

 

In February a visit from Colette Gray, costume historian and collector, provided the AS students with a real hands-on experience. The Textiles room was transformed into a mini museum showcasing a range of fashion and textiles from the last century.

 

In July, we made our annual visit to Hereford’s own costume store at the Museum’s Resource Centre in Friar Street. Students were able to view a vast range of historical textiles and fashion. The newly-built education rooms have improved the facility enormously, providing us with an excellent space to view the wonderful samples. We are so lucky to have a resource such as this on our doorstep, offering students the opportunity to get close to artefacts rather than always viewing them from behind glass.

 

The highlight of the year however was the Art Department’s very successful trip to the beautiful city of Venice. 31 Art and Textiles students were enthralled by the magic of the ancient buildings and atmosphere, which was simply enchanting. Never before have there been so many photos taken of peeling paint, eroded walls and graffiti, all ready to inspire the students. There was such a wealth of textures, colours and viewpoints just waiting to be translated into paint and stitch. Venice has so much to offer in the way of amazing art galleries, culture and a unique decaying beauty, that it will definitely have to be experienced again and again before it disappears forever.

 

For the Textiles students in particular, the visit to the Fortuny museum in Venice was a highlight. Just wandering around the ancient building where such a creative textile genius lived and worked was an absolute joy. A big thank you goes to all the students who behaved brilliantly, and who sketched and collaged at every opportune moment in order to fill their Venice sketch books. Blessed with sunshine, blue skies, oh, and a very good-looking Italian guide, made for a perfect trip! Please check out the photos of work inspired by the visit.