Inspiring a new generation of textile artists and designers

When I joined my school in September 2022, I was given the role of delivering the textiles curriculum to Y7.  At the time, textiles wasn’t being taught to Y8 pupils on the design and technology carousel and the GCSE course had been dropped due to insufficient numbers and the last textiles teacher retiring. Textiles has always been a passion of mine throughout my education and teaching career, and the prospect of sharing this with students was exciting. I was keen to get textiles back up and running in the school and provide opportunities for students to see textiles in a new innovative way.

The project shown here was delivered from the art textiles perspective but could easily be adapted into a more design technology based one.

The starting theme was ‘Idols’, in which students were tasked to use a range of textiles techniques to explore public figures and why they are seen as an inspiration. Six different celebrities, from sports personalities such as Marcus Rashford and Ellie Simmonds to naturalists and activists like David Attenborough and Malala Yousafzai, were given for students to discuss and understand their aspirational qualities. It provided great opportunities for year 7 to share their own interests, which in this phase of transition for them was important, but also great SMSC for the curriculum.

We then looked at the artist, Loui Jover, to inspire their designs for a textile art piece. Jover creates deconstructed celebrity portraits incorporating doodles and collage to highlight their goals and achievements.

We used image transfer medium to apply cut up photos of the celebrities on to fabric. This is a simple and quick technique that allows you to get printed images on to fabric without the need for a heat press. In following lessons, students then worked back in with hand embroidery, applique and batik to add the text, doodles and imagery to highlight their icon's achievements. For many students, it was the first time they had experienced these techniques. We looked at the history behind the techniques to aid their understanding. Each technique was clearly modelled with health and safety instructions. As the work developed, each technique was added to their larger image transfer. Some students opted to add in embellishments using beads and sequins, and others utilised sewing machines to add further pattern/detail.  I was keen to get students stuck in with practical work using different textiles equipment and techniques.

Personally, I think the work speaks for itself showing the fantastic engagement from the students throughout.  The final outcomes from both female and male students shone with enthusiasm, fostering a love for textiles. They really did take pride in their work and arrived to class ready to learn.

I’m now in my second year at Bishop’s and teaching textiles to both year 7 and 8. The GCSE starts this Autumn with our Y9 pupils.