Bradford College Students Recognised in National Textile Design Competition

Local students receive commendations in UK-wide contest

Two students from Bradford College’s School of Art have been commended in this year’s Bradford Textiles Society Design Competition, a national contest that attracts up to 1,000 entries annually from universities and colleges across the UK. The competition is one of the country’s longest-established events dedicated to textile design.

Competition details and student achievements

The awards ceremony took place on 10 October at the Dye House Gallery at Bradford College, where industry professionals, educators, and designers gathered to recognise emerging talent in textile design.

• Robert Bray, a third-year student on the Foundation Degree in Textiles Practice, received a commendation in the Campaign for Wool Award. His design was noted for its innovative approach to highlighting the natural benefits and sustainability of wool in fashion and interior products.
• Karen Charlton, who graduated this summer from the same Foundation Degree programme, was commended in the Clothworkers’ Company Award category. This award recognises excellence in woven fabric design for fashion or accessories.

Significance for Bradford’s textile education

The competition underscores Bradford’s continuing role in textile education and design, reflecting the city’s historic and ongoing influence in the textile industry. The achievements of the two students highlight the technical skill and creativity fostered within Bradford College’s Textiles Practice programme.

Helen Farrar, Curator of Textiles at Bradford College, commented on the students’ success, emphasising the high regard in which the competition is held and the dedication demonstrated by the participants.