Textiles Students Strike Gold at Shrewsbury Drapers’ Exhibition

Culture & Events

Moreton Hall textiles students have enjoyed outstanding success at the prestigious Shrewsbury Drapers’ Company Textile Design Competition, with nine of the school’s twelve entries recognised by the judges, including two coveted Gold awards.

The Gold awards went to two alumnae who left this summer, Ruby for ‘Tides of Resistance’, a striking jellyfish tank installation exploring resilience and the fight against modern slavery, and Grace for ‘Beneath the Surface’, a dramatic felt wall hanging inspired by the hidden beauty and threat of microscopic organisms. Both pieces were praised for their originality, technical skill and powerful storytelling, with one student already receiving an offer to purchase both of her exhibited works.

There was further celebration across the year groups: Jess was awarded Silver for ‘Breaking the Silence’, an emotional triptych raising awareness around abuse, and Martha received Bronze for ‘Floral Reverie’, a 1920s-inspired dress celebrating the colours and elegance of African flora. Highly commended and commended pieces included Sienna’s corset ‘Kate Mess’, Eva’s mixed-media ‘London Blur’, Florence’s nostalgic ‘Fading Wonderland’, Amelia’s coastal-inspired ‘Urchin Radiance’ and Cecily’s embroidered work ‘Through the Lens of Adoption’.

The competition, held at Shrewsbury Library, attracts entries from schools and adult designers across the region and is widely regarded as a highlight of the local arts calendar.

Vickie Owen, of Moreton Hall’s Art & Design Textiles Department, said:

“Our students have produced exceptionally mature and thoughtful work, combining technical skill with powerful personal stories. To see so many of them recognised is hugely rewarding. We are incredibly proud of the creativity, courage and care they have poured into these designs.”