Students from BA (Hons) Printed Textiles & Surface Pattern Design have enjoyed success at the Society of Dyers and Colourists International Design Competition 2019, taking first place in the regional heat.
Final year student Alice Hargreaves was awarded first place in the North of England heat for her work which explores colours from plants and food waste, and how traditional dying could be used within contemporary patterns to create sustainable designs. She told us:
“The SDC Competition is a great opportunity to meet like-minded designers and gain experience presenting your work. This year’s theme was ‘Colour and Nature’ and being an enthusiastic natural dyer, this was a competition I was very excited to be involved with.
It is really exciting to get this appreciation and recognition of my work from industry professionals and makes me even more passionate about my practice!”
Image: Work by Alice Hargreaves
Third year student Lauren Booth was also praised by the judges, receiving Highly Commended for her work. Her designs include elements of the natural world combined with the architectural features associated with modernist Californian homes. Lauren said:
“The Society of Dyers and Colourists competition was a brilliant opportunity to showcase my work outside of the University, and meet students from other Universities from around the North of England.
Being highly commended for this award has been a great opportunity and it has given me more confidence in presenting my work in the future.”
Image: Work by Lauren Booth
Launched in 2002, the Society of Dyers and Colourists International Design Competition is an annual free to enter competition, open to students in 14 countries. For the 109 competition entrants were asked to explore the theme of ‘Colour and Nature’, considering can be learnt from nature and how can it inspire sustainability and innovation.
Nick Rogers, Subject Leader Printed Textiles & Surface Pattern Design said:
"The SDC competition offers students on the course the opportunity to present their great responses to the brief to a panel of industry experts. Its wonderful to see that the range of ideas and skills that our students’ develop through their studies are relevant to industry.
Throughout the course curriculum students demonstrate a commitment to producing high quality work in response to current debates such as climate change impact and environmental responsibility. The course team ensure that we support our students in exploring ideas that will have a positive impact on the world and are delighted that two of our students have been recognised for their excellent work."
Recent graduate Jamie Hannah Shackleton was the guest speaker at the event, discussing her transition from university to working life as a product designer within the flooring industry.
Image: From left to right, Nick Rogers, Lauren Booth, Alice Hagreaves, Course Leader Tami Stewart, Jamie Shackleton.
Regional winner Alice Hargreaves will now go forward to the UK final in York on 10 May, with the aim of reaching the international grand final in November.