Wool Yorkshire presented a collection of work from Leeds College of Art students and SIL Holdings in association with Harvey Nichols and the Victoria Quarter. The exhibition was part of an initiative being launched to promote the importance and success of the wool textile industry in West Yorkshire to raise awareness of its global reputation and quality.
Students have risen to the challenge by bringing the wool message to life. A group of twenty students from different courses at Leeds College of Art, from fashion, fine art, photography, art & design interdisciplinary, millinery, furniture design, printed textile & surface pattern design courses took part in designing and creating wool pieces for the exhibition.
Simon Thorpe, Director of Studies, Professional and External Development at Leeds College of Art, said the project had given the students involved an understanding of Yorkshire’s textile manufacturing heritage.
“Our students will have gained immensely from this project and hopefully some of their creativity will bring new perspectives to SIL’s brands and Yorkshire’s textiles industry” said Simon.
Student Jemima Robinson commented: ‘Abbotsford’s woollen Melton fabric was the perfect material to show the versatile nature of wool from its use in industry through to arts and crafts at home.’
Wool Yorkshire presented a collection of artworks and installations, inspired by the thriving Yorkshire wool textiles industry. This is to celebrate Wool Week, one of the global initiatives by the Campaign for Wool to educate and promote the benefits of using wool in fashion, furnishings and everyday life.
Speaking of her excitement about Harvey Nichols’ window display installation, Sue Stones, General Manager at Harvey Nichols Leeds, said; “It’s inspiring to know that Yorkshire’s wool textile industry is behind some of the most luxurious and successful fashion houses, not only in the UK but in each of the fashion capitals around the world. Wool Yorkshire is the perfect platform for raising awareness and communicating the importance of wool manufacturing in the region and it’s fantastic to be supporting a campaign that showcases the county’s rich heritage.’