The weave programme at Loughborough enjoys a high profile and excellent track record within the field. This year’s graduates enhance this portfolio, exhibiting collections which show outstanding quality and diversity.

The students display a unique combination of skills through an innovative approach to woven structure and experimental use of materials and equipment. Their design development is thorough and underpinned by quality drawing and contextual research, which explores their own individual creative focus. They are displaying a beautiful and sophisticated range of woven conclusions, covering a breadth of applications for fashion and interiors.

The versatility of their skills is evident and has been enhanced by continued exposure to external requirements. Some have spent time working in the industry on short term placements, whilst others chose the option of taking the Diploma in Professional Studies, spending a year in industry, at companies in the UK, USA, Europe.

All of this year’s students have produced work and won many prizes for major competitions, such as the Bradford Textile Society and the Society of Dyers and Colourists. They have also taken part in live projects, with companies such as Abercrombie and Fitch, which has led to the employment of several students upon their graduation. Many student’s individual weave collections have also been exhibited at the international design trade fair ‘Indigo’ in Paris.

The weavers graduating this year are well equipped to face the challenge of the increasing demands made upon them by the industry, and whatever the destination, their skills are highly prized and sought after.

Jan Bowman and Jan Shenton
Weave Pathway Leaders