Textiles Victoria and Albert Museum Trip

Recently, the Textiles Department organised an exciting opportunity to visit the prestigious Victoria and Albert Museum; their aim was to enrich the creative development of the students who had opted to study textiles at GCSE and A-level. Students from Years 10, 12 and 13 found the V&A textiles and fashion workshop invaluable, because it gave guidance on how to develop an initial idea into a creative piece, showcasing an original design. Importantly, they learnt how to be creative through engaging in activities. For example, the students visited a gallery exhibiting a medieval tapestry; afterwards, in pairs, they used their creativity to design a garment on a mannikin. The results were outstanding.

The exhibition that followed, of Cristobal Balenciaga, displayed more than 100 pieces of work that excited, inspired and stimulated the creative thinking of all.

The students were enthusiastic and complimentary about their day away from the classroom: here are a selection of their comments.

“The workshop helped us understand how to translate ideas from research to design; it was especially good that the orginal source was not a garment.”

“I liked the fact that we saw the work of modern designers.”

“I could have stayed designing all day.”

“I liked seeing the work of the Sixth Formers and realising I was capable of thinking up similar ideas.”

“I loved the fact we could drape the mannikin in both textiles and non textiles; I appreciated being able to make mistakes and correct them.”

“The practical experience was very inspiring.”

“The workshop was brilliant; it gave us the freedom and opportunity to create without feeling pressured.”

The students of the Textiles Department extend an invitation to all readers of the website to attend the grand D&T exhibition and fashion show, due to take place on Wednesday 28th of March from 6pm. They look forward to showing off their creations inspired by their visit to the V&A. Please put the date in your calendar.