RISING STARS: BOLTON SCHOOL OF ARTS GRADUATES SCOOP INDUSTRY AWARDS FOR SURFACE DESIGN
“It is important for us, and the graduates, to look to alternative ways to promote and celebrate their achievements. We are extremely proud of this year’s students and the quality of work on our new digital gallery reflects the range of talent and skills within the group”. - UNLOCKED 2020 SHOWCASE
BA(Hons) Textiles and Surface Design Students gain recognition through industry awards at UNLOCKED show and New Designers for Dezeen.
During recent months BA(Hons)Textiles and Surface Design students at the University of Bolton have shown real resilience and tenacity to overcome major hurdles in order to create their final year outcomes without facilities or access to their studio spaces. They have created an extensive range of outcomes to include designs for textiles and surfaces for galleries, hotels, transportation, fashion and tableware.
The Industry selected Creative Show Awards offered an opportunity to celebrate the significant achievements of student work and this year several renowned companies supported our students including AVA CAD CAM, Edinburgh Weavers Ltd. and Standfast & Barracks (to be announced).
HANNAH CALVERT
VIEW PORTFOLIO https://www.textilesboltonuni.co.uk/hannah-calvert
This year final major projects were diverse and reflected individual student personalities, linking to their interests in design for particular industries. Hannah Calvert’s collection for interior furnishings for the restaurant market has been inspired by visits to Rome, Lake Como and Milan as a response to the MIX Autumn/Winter trend ‘Gorge’. ‘Radical Classical’ is a collection of high-end interior wallcoverings and fabrics inspired by all areas of historical Italian art and culture. The combination of modern Neoclassical and eighteenth-century Baroque elements are used to create ‘maximalist’ and dramatic prints, whilst the bright ‘candy-like’ colours are used for a more modern interpretation. A variety of techniques including mark-making and observational paintings were used, paying close attention to detail within artefacts, architecture, sculpture and art.
‘I always aim to be as original as is possible within my work and create patterns that are surprising and striking, whether by use of colour or imagery. It is important for me to keep up with trends, whilst still being brave enough to create something out of the ordinary, which I believe ‘Radical Classical’ has allowed me to do.’ Hannah Calvert
‘The course has allowed me to explore a wide variety of applied techniques, as well as giving me the knowledge to apply my skills, be less critical and more confident about the work that I produce. I never expected to receive the amount of industry experience and opportunity to work on live briefs, and the personal support and guidance was above my expectations. An important part of my experience studying Textiles and Surface Print Design was the fantastic learning environment, the studio space created a communal and interactive work environment that I enjoyed coming to everyday. I believe the course has not only prepared me for a career that I am passionate about, but also given me talented lifelong friends.’
Hannah has been fortunate this year to be awarded the Creative Degree Show 2020 prize by AVA CAD CAM and has recently started their online design programme. Debbie Buchan, a valued member of the course’s Industry Advisory Board selected Hannah’s work.
Hannah responded to her award by saying ‘I am incredibly happy to have won the AVA CAD/CAM award, as it is a great opportunity to extend my knowledge of the software. The promotion and AVA training is a fantastic award for recent graduates, this is a skill that is sought after by the industry.’
Debbie Buchan AVA CAD CAM LTD commented:
“There were several students that caught my eye when looking through Boltons Textile and Surface Design final year work. I felt that the diversity and quality of work overall was very high and was a testament to the hard work, drive and passion of both the students and the lecturers - particularly during these very difficult and challenging times.
I feel that the entire teaching team at Bolton have played an extremely important role supporting, motivating and inspiring the students. Pushing them to keep striving and driving. Challenging, encouraging and guiding the designers to develop a wide range of skills. Ultimately adapting their creativity to illustrate their unique signature strengths.
It was the quality of Hannahs drawing and painting, her professionally presented and executed designs, coupled by the sheer volume of work and quirky colourways that made Hannahs my clear winner.
I can't wait for Hannah to attend the course to see what additional skills we can help her develop. It will be exciting to see how Hannah manipulates and develops her work further using AVA.
I sincerely hope that Hannah enjoys the training course and it provides her with important additional skills required in industry. Not just learning the AVA software and its key features of; real time repeating, colour separation, quick, simple and accurate colourways, but helping with industry knowledge, specific technical processes, all the way through to what types of jobs are out there.
Now more than ever it is vital that we support our creative industries, and industry supports education and the next generation of up and coming designers. Allowing fresh talent to grow, input and help contribute to this fabulous creative industry we are part of."
I very much look forward to seeing what Hannah does next and wish her and all this years graduates all the very best for their future careers”.
Donna Claypool, Programme Leader says
“It has been a turbulent time for students on the course, given the changes made to their studies brought about by the COVID19 situation – however our students have been able to use their professional skills developed on the course, coupled with traditional design and making skills to develop a range of high quality outcomes we were able to present online. It is important for us, and the graduates, to look to alternative ways to promote and celebrate their achievements. We are extremely proud of this year’s students and the quality of work on our new digital gallery reflects the range of talent and skills within the group”.
SCARLETT GREENWOOD
VIEW PORTFOLIO https://www.textilesboltonuni.co.uk/scarlett-greenwood
Scarlett Greenwood gained a prize for her ‘Reverie Florale’ collection from Edinburgh Weavers Ltd.
Scarlett explained ‘My final collection was initially inspired by the Mix colour hive trend “Reverie”, I wanted my collection to heavily informed by a trend as this would help create a commercial standard within my work. I was inspired heavily by designers such as Osborne and Little, Designers Guild and Prestigious Textiles and wanted to create a collection with a variety of pattern and subject matter. I took imagery inspiration through market stall florals and embellishments of 1940s jewellery to create conversational pieces within my collection. I also wanted to capture the simplicity of this imagery through colour experimentation and mark making to create minimalistic designs that would sit well within the collection with busy conversational pieces. I wanted the imagery in these designs to be a mixture of hand painted and drawn to showcase my style of hand, photoshop and AVA were then used to create the repeat structures. This collection explores themes of romance and being within a place of pleasant thought through busy florals, soft textures and ornate designs.’
Discussing the issues that affected the group this year Scarlett went on to explain
“Because our creative show was online this year I felt very apprehensive about how my work would come across to industry advisors so when I received the award from Edinburgh weavers it was a huge confidence boost. It’s was amazing to get recognition from such a renowned industry professional for work I created, especially because my collection was aimed towards a similar market to their target audience”.
During my time at university I loved the opportunity to experiment and the way we were encouraged to push our existing skills to the highest standard as well as explore new techniques.
Having my own studio space was a huge part of my experience at university, I loved being in the studio with other students and really felt it enhanced our creativity in our ideas and work. I also think the various industry trips we went on and advisors that we met helped me to realistically prepare for after graduating. The wide range of specialist skills held by each teacher allowed us to gain deep knowledge within all areas that we wanted, their commitment to us was evident throughout all three years.’
VAHEKENY RODRIGUES
VIEW PORTFOLIO https://www.textilesboltonuni.co.uk/vahekeny-rodrigues
Vahekeny Rodrigues was spotted by New Designers and selected from over 3,000 student projects that were due to be exhibited at this year’s edition of the New Designers exhibition who featured in the Virtual Design Festival organised by Dezeen, under the theme ‘Bold/Geometric’.
https://www.dezeen.com/2020/06/30/new-designers-bold-geometric-design-graduates-vdf-school-shows/
LEFT
Geonature offers two collections – a bespoke collection for the hospitality and hotel industry, and a commercial collection for transport design. Vahekeny has explored plant and natural forms, alongside insects and fauna; and has also examined structural qualities found within cityscapes alongside the 2020 / 2021 trend and colour report ‘Multi-Local’ from Heimtextil 2020 international trade fair.
The Textiles and Surface Design Programme this year won the ‘NEW AND NEXT’ competition and were able to exhibit graduate and student work in the Design Hall 3 at Heimtextil in January this year.
https://heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en/press/press-releases/heimtextil/new-next-university-competition-2020.html
The transport collection has been inspired by renowned textile designers such as Enid Marx, and the hospitality collection made reference to design companies including Timorous Beasties, and others housed at the Chelsea Harbour Design Centre.
Designs were printed by repeat registration using a range of techniques such as devore, flock and foil printing onto different fabric substrates, both as fabric samples to obtain different textural qualities, and to take to the computer using Adobe Creative Suite and AVA CAD CAM as part of the inherent design process.
‘The BA(HONS) in Textiles Surface Design at the University of Bolton enabled me to gain various skills and techniques for textiles from traditional screen printing to digital software. For my final project I focussed on contemporary building facades across the UK, which were explored through a playful use and combination of collage, layering materials and screen-printing, capturing the reflections on glass and concrete to provide a spectral palette from which to experiment.
The result is a dynamic collection of designs injected with colour and pattern which aims to make daily travel on public transport more desirable Being spotted by New Designers for Dezeen was an incredible recognition.’
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In this podcast episode, James Watson, Managing Director of Surface Print, discussed the evolution of his fourth-generation family business in Lancashire.
Surface Print combines traditional craftsmanship with digital innovation- investing £2 million in a hybrid rotary screen Gravure machine and £600,000 in new HP digital printers.
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From Dongles to Digital: Future‑Proof Licensing for Global Creative Teams
Host Debbie McKeegan talks with NedGraphics President Frank Maeder and 10Duke CEO Neil Fenton about the shift from hardware dongles to secure, user‑centric cloud licensing.
They discuss how this transition reduces friction for designers, supports hybrid and global workflows, strengthens security and resilience, and even contributes to sustainability by eliminating physical keys and their shipping footprint.
If you’re in fashion, design, CAD/CAM, or any creative production environment and want to future‑proof your software delivery, this discussion is packed with insight and real‑world examples.
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In this podcast episode, Ulrich Scherbel, CEO of AMSilk, discusses the innovative production of bioengineered spider silk protein and its applications in the textile industry, going far beyond fibre and with the power to radically transform inks and chemistry.
He explains the challenges of scaling up production, the importance of sustainability, and how AMSilk's technology can significantly reduce carbon emissions. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in protein bioengineering and the future vision for transforming the textile supply chain through collaboration and innovation.
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In this insightful interview, Jon Bailey, COO of Precision Proco, shares his journey into the print industry, leadership philosophy, and how embracing change and innovation has shaped his success.
Discover practical lessons on building a resilient business, nurturing talent, and leveraging AI for future growth.
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In this conversation, Meike Nieuwenhuis shares her multifaceted approach to fashion design, emphasising the importance of collaboration, upcycling, and engaging with cultural heritage.
She discusses her experiences with digital printing and the Epson Innovation day at the NautaSign micro-factory, highlighting the need for sustainable practices in the fashion industry.
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In this episode, MeiLin Wan, founder of GenuTrace, discusses the critical importance of traceability in the textile industry, particularly in light of increasing regulations and consumer expectations. With nearly a billion pounds of materials tracked under her leadership, MeiLin emphasises the shift from marketing claims to scientifically substantiated proof of sustainability. She highlights the need for both physical and digital verification methods, such as DNA testing and isotope analysis, to ensure that products are ethically sourced and compliant with regulations like the UFLPA. The conversation also touches on the evolving relationships between manufacturers and retailers, the challenges of integrating new technologies, and the necessity of transparency throughout the supply chain.
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The conversation delves into the environmental challenges posed by traditional inks and how GrowInk’s research is redefining the printing industry with biodegradable inks derived from natural sources. Punch shares his journey from studying Material Fusion at Central Saint Martins to developing inks that not only provide colour but also contribute to environmental sustainability.
The discussion highlights the importance of collaboration between science and design, the challenges faced in research, and the potential for a shift in consumer perception towards temporary inks. Ultimately, the podcast emphasises the need for a more sustainable approach to printing and the role of the next generation in driving this change.
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In this podcast episode, Carry Somers discusses her book, 'The Nature of Fashion,' which explores the deep connections between fashion, nature, and sustainability. She emphasises the importance of understanding fashion's botanical past to envision a more sustainable future. The conversation delves into the impact of natural fibres, the exploitation within the fashion industry, and the lessons we can learn from history. Carry shares inspiring stories of individuals working to revive traditional textile practices and highlights the need for a balance between modern innovation and ancient wisdom. Ultimately, she calls for a shift in perspective, urging listeners to see the deeper connections behind the materials we use in fashion.
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In this podcast, Debbie McKeegan interviews Frank Maeder, president of NedGraphics and Optitex to discuss the latest 2026 software release and its significance in the textile design industry.
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In this conversation, Debbie McKeegan speaks with Lisbeth Lyons Black, the director of the Women in Print Alliance, about the organisation's mission to support women in the printing industry.
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The conversation also touches on the impact of technology and AI on the workforce, the need for continuous learning, and the future initiatives of the Women in Print Alliance.
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In this podcast episode, Debbie McKeegan interviews the design team from Mini Moderns, Keith Stephenson and Mark Hampshire.
They discuss their journey from branding to product design, the evolution of their product offerings, and their creative process.
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They share valuable advice for aspiring designers and look ahead to future collections and celebrations for their 20th anniversary.
In this podcast episode, Debbie McKeegan interviews the inventor Cam Myers the founder of CreateMe
A technology company focused on automating the assembly of apparel using adhesive technology. They discuss the challenges in the apparel industry, including the skills gap, labour availability, and the inefficiencies of traditional sewing methods.
Cam explains how their innovative approach not only improves efficiency but also addresses sustainability concerns.
The conversation explores the future of automated apparel production, the role of robotics, and how automation can enhance creative design in the fashion industry.
In this podcast episode, Debbie McKeegan interviews Marta Naranowicz, the creative director at Caro and online brand Feeby based in Poland. Together they explore the evolution of digital wall coverings, and the impact of the latest technologies alongside AI creativity for the printing industry. Marta shares insights on sustainability, customisation, and the importance of innovation in design, as well as offering practical advice for designers and brands looking to expand into the lucrative wall coverings marketplace.
In this conversation, Debbie McKeegan, Brooke Roberts-Islam, and Anja Sadock discuss the critical topic of compliance in the fashion industry, focusing on the increasing number of regulations and the importance of data management in ensuring compliance. They explore the challenges faced by smaller businesses in navigating these regulations and highlight the opportunities that arise from embracing compliance as a positive step forward.
The discussion emphasises the need for a structured approach to data collection and the importance of mapping supply chains to improve transparency and accountability.
In this podcast episode, Debbie McKeegan interviews Kate Hills, founder of Make It British, discussing the state of UK manufacturing, particularly in the fashion and textile industry. They explore the Leicester Made event, the challenges faced by fashion manufacturers in Leicester, the importance of local production, and the need for a national campaign to promote 'Made in Britain'. The conversation highlights the benefits of choosing UK manufacturers, the issues of onshoring, and the necessity for a fairer industry that values Quality over Quantity.
In this conversation, Debbie McKeegan, Fespa Textile Ambassador and Mike Scrutton of Adobe discuss the latest innovations in textile printing, focusing on Adobe's PDF print engine 7 update and its impact on the industry. They explore the challenges of colour management, the importance of automation, and the future of on-demand manufacturing and personalisation in textile printing. The discussion also highlights the need for better visualisation tools to meet customer expectations and the potential for exciting advancements in the field. Listen to learn more…
In this podcast, Debbie McKeegan interviews Guy Yaniv, President of EMEA at Kornit Digital about the future of personalised fashion.
They discuss the shift in consumer demand towards individuality and self-expression, the technological advancements in garment decoration, and the impact of their Apollo technology on production processes. The conversation highlights the importance of agility in the apparel industry and the need for organisations to adapt to changing market demands. They also explore the challenges of digital transformation and the role of technology in empowering creativity within the fashion ecosystem...
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In this podcast episode, Debbie McKeegan interviews Suzi Ward, the Managing Director of Fespa UK, discussing the evolution of the association, its role in supporting the print industry, and the importance of community engagement.
They explore the growth of membership, sustainability initiatives, and the Next Generation programs aimed at engaging youth in the industry.
The conversation highlights the challenges faced by small businesses, the need for government support, and the significance of networking within the print community.
Suzi emphasises the mantra of making a difference in all initiatives and the importance of collaboration for the future of the industry.”
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In this podcast, Debbie McKeegan talks with Michael Mayr, a co-founder of Silana a Robotic sewing technology company based in Vienna, Austria.
Michael discusses the challenges and innovations in the textile industry, particularly focusing on robotic sewing and automated, sustainable production. He shares insights from his background in fashion, the need for automation, and the role of AI in revolutionising garment manufacturing.
The conversation highlights:
The importance of nearshoring production,
The challenges faced in the industry, and
The vision for a more sustainable future in fashion…
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In this podcast episode, Debbie McKeegan and Bobby Grauf discuss the rise of product personalisation in the printing industry and the software that enables on-demand customisation. They explore how consumer demand for personalised products has surged and how this trend is reshaping market opportunities and the software the print industry must invest in to meet expectations.
The conversation delves into the importance of technology in enhancing customer experiences and the role of AI in streamlining the personalisation process. Bobby shares insights on how businesses can leverage these trends to create unique offerings and improve customer satisfaction. The discussion also highlights the importance of optimising production and fulfillment processes to meet customer expectations in the evolving printing industry. Listen to learn more >>
In this podcast, Debbie McKeegan hosts a roundtable discussion with Guy Alroy of Early.Vision, Oliver Mustoe Playfair of Prinfab and Phil McMullin of Epson UK. Their discussion explores the paradigm shift in the fashion industry from fast fashion to personalised fashion, highlighting the challenges, solutions, and benefits for the manufacturing community. Looking at all aspects of production to share their knowledge and expertise on how automation software in tandem with smart technology offers a solid solution for optimised apparel manufacture.Experts from Printfab, Epson, and Early Vision share insights on the role of technology, sustainability, and the future of apparel production. Listen to learn more >>
“In this podcast, Debbie McKeegan interviews Michael Chramtchenko, Chief of Staff - Sales and Marketing at Fiery. They discuss the company's innovative software solutions for the print industry, particularly in garment decoration. They explore the disruption caused by direct-to-film technologies, the importance of colour management, and the future potential of automation and AI in print technology. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities in on-demand apparel production and the evolving landscape of the textile industry…Listen to learn more >>
“In this engaging conversation, Debbie McKeegan speaks with Kathryn Sanders, founder of Western Sensibility, about her journey in the textile and digital printing industry. They discuss the innovative services offered to the interior design industry by Western Sensibility, including custom printing for various materials, the launch of their Innovation Lab, and their commitment to sustainability. Kathryn shares her passion for democratising design, the evolution of textiles and wallcoverings, and the importance of creative collaborations. The conversation concludes with insights into the future aspirations of Western Sensibility and the exciting projects on the horizon”.
In this podcast, Debbie McKeegan interviews Frank Maeder, president of NedGraphics and Optitex, discussing the evolution of textile design, the integration of technology, and the importance of sustainability. They explore how designers' roles have changed, the impact of digital tools like NedHub and their latest software release, plus the necessity of partnerships in the industry. The conversation also touches on the future of AI in design and the need for seamless workflows to enhance creativity and efficiency. Listen to learn more >>
In this podcast episode, Debbie McKeegan interviews Viktor Lazzeri, COO of Barbieri Electronic, to discuss the critical role of spectrophotometers in achieving colour accuracy in digital printing. They explore the science behind colour measurement, the importance of consistency, and the challenges of matching colours across different materials. Viktor shares insights on minimising waste and reducing reprints through effective process control, emphasising the need for standards and colour accuracy in the printing industry.” Listen to learn more >>
"In this podcast we meet Adam Root, founder of Matter Industries and his innovation Regen™ , a capture technology to remove microfibres from the textile manufacturing process for the benefit of human and environmental health. We also meet Lewis Shuler of Paradise Textiles who are collaborating on research and the application of Matter’s technology for textile manufacturing. The retrofittable technology reduces microfibre emissions and operating costs for textile factories, offering a scalable solution for the industry. Backed by Regeneration.VC - the Leonardo DiCaprio supported climate tech fund – with the announcement made at its Annual Meeting during New York Climate Week. The first installation is planned at Paradise Textiles’ sustainable textile facility in Egypt by Q4 2025.”
"In this podcast, Debbie McKeegan interviews Francesco Nozza, the business development manager at Epson Italia, together they discuss the future of industrial direct to textile printing. They explore key market insights for Autumn 2024, the impact of e-commerce on fashion and sportswear, and the innovative solutions Epson offers to meet the changing demands of the textile industry. The conversation highlights the importance of sustainability, the shift from traditional to digital printing, and the advancements in Epson's Monna Lisa suite of machines. " Listen to learn more >>