BA (Hons) Textiles & Surface Design student Maggie Gregg, 63 years old from Middlesbrough, is working on a moving project inspired by her personal experience of Alzheimer’s disease. The project, which has been created for her FMP, will take the form of a 10 foot tribute bear which will be created using the belongings of those living with dementia and from people who have passed away, donated by their loved ones.

Maggie returned to education to study on our textiles degree programme after losing her husband to Alzheimer’s, she explained; “When I began studying Textiles and Surface Design at The Northern School of Art, I had been out of education since the age of 15. Over the years, I worked in various jobs, but my passion for sewing and creativity remained a constant in my life. After losing my husband to Alzheimer’s disease, I started making memory bears as a way to honour his memory, and unexpectedly, my business began to flourish. This project holds a deeply personal significance for me. It was this experience that inspired me to go to university, with the goal of expanding my knowledge and immersing myself further in the creative industry. It was during this time that I saw an opportunity to take my memory bears to the next level.”

Speaking of the concept she said: “I am creating a 10-foot memory bear, as a tribute to the people who are living with Alzheimer’s and those who have passed away using words and clothing that belonged to them. This will physically represent the memories and connections to those people and stimulate conversation about this devastating disease. Each piece of clothing will tell a story, a favourite shirt, jumper, or dress will be filled with cherished memories, all combined to create the bear representing the individuality of the person behind the diagnosis. The bear will be more than a keepsake, it will encourage ongoing dialogue about Alzheimer’s Disease, and its social emotional, and practical impacts, it invites others to share stories keeping the lives of those with Alzheimer’s at the forefront of our conversations.”

Maggie has worked with a number of charities during this early stage of the project, she said; “the memory bear is a way to honour the lives of those living with Alzheimer’s while raising awareness and a deeper understanding of the challenges they and their families face on a day-to-day basis. To gather material, I have reached out to out to the Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia and Alzheimer UK Carers Group, colleagues on my course, and friends. All feedback has been positive.”

Maggie also had the opportunity to speak to BBC Radio Tees, she reflected: “I had the incredible opportunity to be interviewed on BBC Radio Tees, an experience that felt surreal as my project was broadcast across the Teesside area. This chance came about thanks to Marie Kerr, who works in project development for Dementia Action Teesside. Marie shared my project on their Facebook page, asking for donations of clothing, and it was through this post that Gary Philipson reached out and invited me to the studio. During the interview I had the opportunity to reach out to the public and local businesses about sponsorships that would support me with materials such as stuffing for the bear and prototype fabric. I was very grateful for this experience and it was a great way of spreading the word around my hometown.”

The finished bear will be displayed at the 2025 Graduate Showcase where family members that donated items to Maggie and visitors will be able to see the bear, Maggie said: “The final bear is still in the making but the prototype has already raised awareness and got people talking about Alzheimer’s disease. The sentimental value that clothing holds for families and friends adds a deeply personal touch to this project. Loved ones will have the opportunity to see their cherished possessions sewed into a 10-foot bear, creating a space for them to reminisce, share personal stories, and reflect on their experiences. This emotional connection is what makes the project truly special.”

Make sure you stay tuned for more details about our summer show so you can see the final bear in-person. You can find out more about some of the support and resources available for those suffering with Alzheimers here.