Sally Donegan joined The Northern School of Art in 2016 and is a Lecturer on the BA (Hons) Costume Interpretation with Design programme. Within her teaching she focuses on delivering specialist workshops and lectures in pattern cutting, costume construction, fabric manipulation, historical and contemporary costume research and costume design. Through her teaching, she combines academic study with professional practice, supporting students in the development of both creative and technical skills while preparing them for employment within the costume and wider creative industries.
Sally holds a First Class BA (Hons) Degree in Entertainment Design Crafts, specialising in Costume Design and Construction, and a Foundation Degree in Costume Construction for Stage and Screen with Distinction from The Northern School of Art. She also holds a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). During her studies, she gained valuable industry experience working with leading dance, ballet and opera companies, contributing to a range of performance and arts projects throughout the UK.
Following graduation, Sally established herself as a professional costume maker, undertaking freelance costume work ranging from bespoke commissions to industry-based projects and also working with organisations including the National Theatre, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Opera North, Scottish Opera and the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA). These opportunities enabled her to develop a broad range of specialist skills in costume construction, tailoring and costume production for theatre and live performance. Alongside her academic role, she continues to maintain strong links with industry, incorporating live projects and professional briefs into the curriculum through collaborations with organisations such as Creature Encounters, Kynren, Auckland and Raby castle, Beamish, Preston Park Museum and Avanti Display.
Sally has a particular interest in historical dress and period costume construction, with a focus on the research, interpretation and recreation of historical garments. She has assisted in the development of the Costume Archive at The Northern School of Art, helping to catalogue and display garments dating from the early twentieth century. Her research and professional practice continue to be informed by museum collections, archives, exhibitions and specialist costume literature. Through her teaching and research, she encourages students to develop an appreciation of costume as both a creative and technical discipline, spanning traditional craftsmanship, contemporary innovation and professional practice.