Work by textile students from The Northern School of Art inspired by The Bowes Museum’s unique fine and decorative arts collection is currently on display as part of a major exhibition.

The Modern Makers exhibition at The Bowes Museum at Barnard Castle, which runs until 18 June 2023, showcases work by the next generation of artists, makers and designers, including pieces created by the School’s BA (Hons) Textiles & Surface Design alongside digital artwork by the School’s Middlesbrough campus UAL Extended Diploma in Textiles & Surface Design and Creative Kids Saturday Club students.

One of the exhibitors, BA (Hons) Textiles and Surface Design degree student Daisy Mulcahy, pictured above, shared some insights into the work she has on show.

“I produced an upholstered stool inspired by the Canaletto paintings and furniture within the Bowes Museum. I designed a digital design and printed it onto silk for the seat.

“I also produced two 3 metre lengths inspired by the design of the Rococo mirror in Josephine Bowes’s room. I created these using traditional screen printing skills, hand painting and CAD.

“When I visited for the Modern Makers preview I was really excited. The idea of so many professionals, people’s families and the public seeing my work made me so nervous but I loved every minute of it.

 “I was over the moon to see my stool I had worked so hard on be displayed and one of my lengths next to it was really fulfilling. I loved my other length hanging from the ceiling it really made the colour come out.

“Working to a brief and strict deadlines gave me an insight into the design industry and I will use my Bowes opportunity as experience for the future.”

See more of Daisy’s work on her Instagram feed @daisymdesign

Modern Makers runs until 5pm on Sunday, 18 June.  The Bowes Museum is situated in Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8NP and is open every day from 10am to 5pm. For details of how to book tickets click here 

A virtual tour of the exhibition with detailed information about all the exhibits is available to view HERE

Visit northernart.ac.uk for further information about studying textiles at The Northern School of Art’s Middlesbrough further education and Hartlepool degree-level campuses.