News / 22 Jun 2023
Student artwork transformed on The Great British Sewing Bee
BA (Hons) Fine Art
MA Fine Art
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Lucy Walker, BA (Hons) Fine Art
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Frances Tabbernor, BA (Hons) Fine Art
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Frances Tabbernor, BA (Hons) Fine Art
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Rae Bedford, MA Fine Art
Students from BA (Hons) Fine Art and MA Fine Art have seen their work transformed into extraordinary garments on BBC One’s The Great British Sewing Bee.
Students were asked to paint abstract works on 1 x 2 metre canvases to be used in the fifth episode of series nine: ‘Art Week’. The artworks were given to the contestants for their transformation challenge, in which they were asked to create a structural garment from the painted canvases.
The student paintings were transformed into dresses, tops and jackets, with a bold balloon sleeved top created from work by final year BA (Hons) Fine Art student Frances Tabbernor selected as the judge’s favourite.
"I was overwhelmed last night watching The Great British Sewing Bee. Leeds Arts University posted the opportunity to paint a large canvas last year, for me, it was a great way to kick-start the semester. That it might appear in the tv programme made it an extra special experience. The blouse Asmaa created from my painting was glorious. It was a completely transformative garment and astounding. I have messaged to thank her."
Frances Tabbernor, BA (Hons) Fine Art student
Frances tells us: "My journey as an artist began by re-assessing my life following a breast cancer diagnosis. Asmaa is a consultant breast surgeon, which adds a layer of poignancy for me. Her creativity and ability to change people's lives, like mine, every day leaves me awestruck. It has left me very emotional since watching the programme."
Thanks to all the students who produced work for the show.
BA (Hons) Fine Art: Kai Brooks, Shreya Chatterjee, Matthew Exley, Annie Greenwood, Paulina Kozak, Eve Mabley, Grace O’Brien, Ivy Pocklington Clark, Frances Tabbernor and Lucy Walker.
MA Fine Art: Rae Bedford, Susan Daubney and Amily Galhand.
The episode is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Click here to watch it in full.