Course summary

We recognise that many Art students want to specialise from the outset of their degree, focusing the development of skills in one clear discipline area. The expansion of the Textiles area within our programme has allowed students to become highly specialized in the development of textile-based work. Textiles incorporates elements of 2D and 3D practices, links to painting (surface, colour, collage, flat surfaces), as well as sculpture (structural textiles, 3D hangings, mixedmedia), which makes textiles a fascinating area for you to work in. You will be encouraged to learn a varied set of skills and techniques in studio and workshop activity, including weaving, stitch, felt-making, dying, and knitting. Working in textiles allows fine art orientated exploration and interacts with sculpture, painting printmaking and installation work. In the first year students will initially be set a series of research and drawing based activities that will drive the students’ ideas towards a self-directed practice, greater independence, and by the final year, the attainment of a distinctive vision. Lectures and seminars along with the peer group critique in the studio, support independent, self-directed work. Students will learn to create their own negotiated pattern of work as they move towards an exhibition for their degree show in their final year. Main Studio and Workshop Skills and Activities will include: Felt-making; Weaving; Embroidery felt-making; Tapestry; Embroidery; Dyeing; Colour and surface.