THE FIRST EVER woven textile designer award offered by Speyside’s Knockando Woolmill has been handed to a recently graduated student from Manchester School of Art.
In a competition to identify the best of new textile design talent, the Woolmill invited current students and recent graduates to submit innovative, contemporary designs that push boundaries.
The search resulted in recent graduate Jessica Cutler, who studied Textiles in Practice at Manchester and graduated in July this year. Her design ‘Devon Seasons’ gained the award which was presented at Scotland:Re-Designed in Glasgow last week.
Jessica said: “I’m Delighted to have won this award, it was a great evening at such a great venue. Thanks again to everyone involved for this opportunity, I am looking forward to working with Knockando Woolmill, I can’t wait to see the finished product.”
A shortlist of six entries were presented to the stellar judging panel, which featured renowned names in fashion and textiles.
Panellist Alistair O’Neill said: “Knockando Woolmill’s New Woven Textile Designer award is an exciting initiative. It unites Scotland’s oldest continually working weaving mill with the creativity and innovation of the UK’s next generation of textile designers.
“Central Saint Martins is proud to be a part of the judging panel and sees the initiative as a good indication of how Scottish textiles can succeed in the 21st century.”
As well as the winner receiving £500, the winning design will be produced commercially by Knockando Woolmill and sold with custom labelling featuring the designer’s name.