Textiles contest shows 'outstanding creativity'

Karen Wright won the adult silver award for her colourful portrait

An annual textile design competition has celebrated its 30th anniversary with a diverse array of entries showcasing "outstanding creativity".

The Shrewsbury Drapers' Company Textile Design Competition started in 1995 with the aim of honouring the town's wool trade heritage.

This year's theme was Out of Africa and adult and student entries ranging from portraits to fashion and crochet are on display at Shrewsbury Library until Saturday.

Gaynor Bowen, chairman of the Shrewsbury Drapers' Textile Design Committee, said: "We are delighted to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of our Textile Design Competition.

Gaynor Bowen outside Drapers Hall which is still home to the Shrewsbury Drapers Company

"The standard of the work has been particularly high in all categories," she added.

"I am overwhelmed by the diverse range of the exhibits, the workmanship, presentation and finish. The creativity of the entries is outstanding and I would like to thank all those involved in our competition."

Shrewsbury Drapers Company clerk Lyndsey O'Loughlin (left) and master Nancy Sykes-Waller (right)

The Shrewsbury Drapers Company was granted a Royal Charter by Edward IV in 1462 as a Guild of Drapers trading in wool and woollen cloth.

Its members still meet at its home today - the Grade II-listed Drapers Hall in St Mary's Place, which is now a boutique hotel and restaurant.

Shrewsbury College student Cecily Penrice (left) and Moreton Hall textile teacher Vickie Owen

The textile competition began as a showcase for work primarily by students from Shrewsbury College.

It expanded in 2002 to include adult entries and in 2015 the young textile design competition was introduced to include schools with entries from Key Stage 3 (11-14 years) and Key Stage 4 (14-16 years).

Telford College student Nyah Forbes with tutors Anna Bartlett, Clare Routledge and Anna Dowdall

The Drapers aim to inspire young people to work in textiles and textile design and to learn about the wide range of opportunities and careers in the field of fashion and textiles.

The competition is also now open to The Marches area, traditionally Drapers trading territory, which includes the neighbouring counties of Herefordshire, Powys, Monmouthshire and Wrexham.