Textiles: TexSelect in Focus

The TexSelect (formerly “TexPrint”) programme is focused on giving emerging designers greater experience of exhibiting and selling their work; speaking with buyers, press and others in the industry; additional training and marketing experiences; and opportunities to develop an understanding of commercial requirements. The programme invites 24 designers to participate annually, awarding additional prizes to exceptional designers in special categories. The Company is an annual sponsor of those special awards, supporting the prize for the best textile design for interiors.

The 2017 recipient of the prize was Lucy Day, who was also shortlisted for two other special TexSelect awards and offered the opportunity to undertake an AVA CAD/CAM software training course. Her winning design (using muted tones and earthy colours) took inspiration from raw qualities present in the natural environment, which she interpreted into printed designs expressive in mark and rich in texture.

Lucy completed a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion and Textiles at Colchester School of Art, and continued her studies with a Master of Arts from the Royal College of Art. Today, she is freelancing for a unique print design studio called Circleline. There, she is experimenting with techniques to produce artistic and forward-thinking prints for a broad range of clients. Her work was featured in the Textile View magazine. The magazine’s creative director said, “Lucy created some beautiful designs, which we printed and made up into costumes to be shot by our collaborating photographer, James Champion. Lucy was there to style the shoot for her part of the story and to offer general support after a very early morning start.”

Lucy has written to The Company to say: “The funding from The Clothworkers’ Company has allowed me to get started and rent a space at a screen print studio, where I continue to produce my own textiles, maintaining the hand-printed techniques I know and love.”