University News Last updated 04 November
Birmingham City University (BCU) is celebrating outstanding success at the 2025 Bradford Textile Society Design Competition - one of the UK’s most prestigious showcases for emerging textile design talent.
The University received the coveted Designers’ Guild Plaque for outstanding work, while BCU students achieved an impressive 10 awards and commendations across multiple categories.
There was double joy for Sophie Tuck, who claimed first place in both the Clothworkers’ Company Award W1F (woven fabric design for fashion/accessories) and Association of Fashion and Textile Courses Award F1 (sustainable/responsible design).
Poppy Braddy, Interim Co-Course Leader in Textile Design at BCU, said: "This is an incredible achievement for our students and a reflection of the creativity, skill, and dedication of our Textile Design programme.
“To see our students recognised at a national level, including for prestigious awards like the Cloth of Kings Medal, is truly inspiring and highlights BCU’s position at the forefront of textile education in the UK."
Open to students, graduates, and independent designers, the competition recognises exceptional creativity and innovation in textile design across multiple disciplines, including woven fabrics, printed textiles, knitted fabrics, embroidery, and sustainable design.
BCU individual highlights include:
- Sophie Tuck – 1st place, Clothworkers’ Company Award W1F (woven fabric design for fashion/accessories)
- Sophie Tuck – 1st place, Association of Fashion and Textile Courses Award F1 (sustainable/responsible design)
- Layali Abdullah – 2nd place, Joseph H. Clissold & Son Ltd Award (woven fabric design)
- Lara Gembarska – 3rd place, Clothworkers’ Company Award W1N (woven fabric design for interior furnishings/products)
- Alice Morton – 3rd place, Woolmark Company Award AW1 (Merino wool-rich fabric), and recipient of the prestigious Cloth of Kings Medal
- Rosie Butler – 2nd place, Clothworkers’ Company Award C1 (innovative textile processes)
- Amy Newton – 1st place, British Wool & The Alternative Flooring Company Award R1 (carpet/rug/runner design using British wool)
- Commendations were also awarded to Rizwana Tasnim (LAPA Charitable Trust Award) and Rebecca Tombs (Prestigious Textiles Ltd Award)
Adding to the success, Amy Newton has been shortlisted for the Arts Thread Global Creative Graduate Showcase – a worldwide celebration of emerging creative talent that recognises the best work from leading universities around the globe.
Amy and Sophie Tuck have also been selected for Green Grads – a national initiative spotlighting emerging designers and makers responding to the climate and biodiversity crises – and showcased their work at the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair.
Pictured (from left): Sophie Tuck (2025 Graduate), Alice Morton (2025 Graduate), Lara Gembarska (Final-Year Student), Malcolm Campbell (President of Bradford Textile Society), Amy Newton (2025 Graduate), and Clare Langford (Senior Lecturer).