Bradford College Students Celebrate Success at National Textile Design Competition

Two talented students from Bradford School of Art have achieved national recognition in this year’s prestigious Bradford Textiles Society Design Competition, one of the UK’s longest-established and most respected textile design contests.

The annual competition attracts entries from universities and colleges across the country, with up to 1,000 submissions each year. This year, two Bradford College students were commended for their outstanding creativity and innovation in textile design.

Robert Bray, currently in his third year of the Foundation Degree in Textiles Practice, received a commendation in the Campaign for Wool Award. His design was recognised for its imaginative approach to promoting the natural benefits and sustainability of wool in fashion and interior products.

Karen Charlton, who graduated from the Foundation Degree in Textiles Practice this summer, was also commended in the Clothworkers’ Company Award category, which celebrates excellence in woven fabric design for fashion or accessories.

The awards ceremony took place on Friday 10 October at the Dye House Gallery at Bradford College, bringing together leading figures from the textile industry, educators, and emerging designers to celebrate the best of new talent.

Curator of Textiles, Helen Farrar, said: “We are incredibly proud of Robert and Karen for their achievements in such a highly regarded national competition. Their success reflects the creativity, technical skill, and dedication nurtured within the Textiles Practice programme here at Bradford College.”

The Bradford Textiles Society competition continues to highlight the strength of textile design education in the city, reinforcing Bradford’s historic and ongoing influence in the world of textiles.