The Weavers’ Company welcomed leading figures from the textile industry, education and design to Saddlers’ House in the City of London on 24 February for its annual Presentation of Textile Awards, recognising both established achievement and the next generation of weaving talent.

The awards were presented by Patrick Grant FRSA, designer, entrepreneur and advocate for British manufacturing, who praised the creativity, technical skill and originality demonstrated by this year’s recipients.

A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the Silver Medal to Professor Ann Sutton OBE, internationally acclaimed textile artist, designer and educator, whose career has shaped contemporary weaving practice for more than six decades. Ann’s award was accepted on her behalf by Margo Selby.

Born in 1935 and educated at Cardiff College of Art, Ann Sutton’s work spans textile art, design consultancy, authorship and education. Her woven works are held in major international collections including Tate, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Crafts Council UK. Alongside her artistic practice, she has collaborated with leading innovators and mills, including Junichi Arai in Japan and Hield Brothers in the UK.

Margo Selby receiving the Silver Medal on behalf of Ann Sutton

Ann Sutton’s influence extends profoundly into textile education. Her publications, including The Structure of Weaving and Ideas in Weaving, remain essential references for students and practitioners worldwide. In 1980, she brought weaving to a broader public audience as writer and presenter of the BBC television series The Craft of The Weaver.

Through the Ann Sutton Foundation, she has directly supported emerging weave graduates, providing equipment, tuition and financial assistance to enable young designers to establish professional careers. Early Fellows included Margo Selby and Laura Thomas.

The Company also recognised outstanding emerging talent through its scholarships and awards:

• Stuart Hollander Award — Megan Beattie, Heriot-Watt University
• Scholarships — Lisa Rogerson (Glasgow School of Art), Laura Nunn (Manchester Metropolitan University), Erin Phillips (Nottingham Trent University)
• New Designers Award Winner — Cecile Driver, Manchester Metropolitan University
• These awards reflect the Weavers’ Company’s enduring commitment to nurturing the future of weaving by supporting innovative, highly skilled students entering the textile profession.

Patrick Grant said: “It is incredibly encouraging to see such strength of imagination and technical excellence among emerging textile designers. The future of British textiles depends on precisely this combination of creativity and craftsmanship.”

The Upper Bailiff of the Weavers’ Company added: “Supporting emerging talent lies at the heart of the Company’s charitable work. These awards recognise not only achievement, but the vital contribution young designers will make to the future of the textile industry.”

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