DESIGN COMPETITION

BRADFORD TEXTILE SOCIETY DESIGN COMPETITION 2021

Established in 1893, the Bradford Textile Society is the oldest textile society in Britain, if not the world.

Despite all the changes that have taken place in the textile industry since its formation, the Society continues to thrive, providing an opportunity for everyone with an interest in textiles to meet and discuss textile-related topics.

The Clothworkers’ Company is proud to sponsor six awards in the Bradford Textile Society’s annual Design Competition, and is grateful for the support of Clothworker Emily May, who served as a judge again for the awards.

One of the 2021 winners, Hannah, said: ‘I’m so excited to say I have [received] First Prize for The Clothworkers’ Company Award for “A woven fabric design for fashion or accessories” in the [Bradford Textile Society competition]. I submitted [my] design alongside a moodboard, fashion illustration and supporting sample designs. I chose my favourite sample ... It was one of the most timeconsuming pieces, one that I found visually beautiful and came from wellresearched inspiration. Absolutely thrilled and so proud of myself for achieving this award amongst so many fabulous designers.’

Winners of Clothworkers’ awards:

• Knitted Fabric for Fashion or Interiors (K1): Jessica Turnbull, Glasgow School of Art

• Printed Textile for Fashion or Interiors (First Year Undergraduate Students) (P3): Sarah Mills, Birmingham City University

• Woven Fabric for Fashion or Accessories (W1F): Hannah Bryant, University of Brighton

• Woven Fabric for Interiors (W1N): Jackie Stephens, Carmarthen School of Art

• Fabric Design for Fashion/ Accessories or Interiors Demonstrating Innovative Processes (C1): Sophie Downes, Glasgow School of Art

• Material Construction for Fashion/Accessories or Interiors Produced with Unconventional or New Technologies (U1): Penny Kowalkowski, De Montfort University

“Thank you ... for choosing my Rhombus fabric as the first place winner of this year’s competition. Rhombus knitted fabric incorporates movement and a sustainability together to create a fabric with a playful, stimulating nature.”

Jessica Turnbull, K1 Winner

Facing page: Penny Kowalkowski won for her shaped knitwear with leather and heat transfer vinyls (left). Hannah Bryant won an award for her ‘dreamlike’ soft, woven fabric.

This page: Jessica Turnbull’s Rhombus, winner in the Knitted Fabric for Fashion or Interiors, which is featured on the cover.