Biography

Having lived in Scotland all her life, Rachel graduated in July 2014 from Gray’s School of Art with a first class honours degree in Textile and Surface Design.

Rachel creates work that is current, thought-provoking and pushes the potential of textile design. She explores new technologies; how these can enhance our experience of textiles and allow us to effectively represent our identity.

Her honours year project explored materiality and our relationship with the designed world, taking insight from philosophers, anthropologists and designers alike. Her final textile collection demonstrated a strong personal design narrative, exploring smart and sustainable textiles, and combining both aesthetic and functional considerations.

In 2014, Rachel was nominated for the BP Design Award and was highly commended. She subsequently worked to expand her portfolio, and went on a to gain a place on the prestigious MA Printed Textiles course at the Royal College of Art in London.

How the Award Helped

Rachel’s Dewar Arts Award enabled her to accept her place for postgraduate study at the RCA, providing a springboard for her future career as a designer.

“Being a part of this exciting creative community will give me the best possible start to pursue a career in this industry.”