This year, UAL Extended Diploma in Costume Design students embarked on a live brief with cultural heritage site Raby Castle, starting with a research trip to the site and grounds. Raby Castle is one of the most impressive intact castles in the North of England. Built in the 14th century by the powerful Neville family, it has a long history. Home to Cecily Neville, mother of two kings of England, it was also the scene of the plotting of the Rising of the North and a Parliamentary stronghold during the Civil War.

Working with lead curators Julie Biddlecomb-Brown and Lauren Foster, the brief challenged students to analyse each past resident and create alternative and contemporary adaptations of their costumes to be displayed and exhibited later this year.

The students were given a guided tour and had the exciting opportunity to handle rare costumes in the castle’s archive. Lecturer Caroline Forknall said, “The students were given the opportunity to see, touch and analyse the costumes from the archive department. They saw the clothing worn by their given character to give them more insight into their own designs; they found this a highly rewarding experience. Some of the pieces dated back to Elizabethan times!”

Student Venus Barf commented that the trip gave her insight into the industry, “The live brief and Raby Castle visit gave us industry insight into the commissioning and hands-on work in the costume industry and was essential in providing guidance for our next steps in our academic and costuming career progression.”

Caroline commented, “The students were also given the opportunity to have a guided tour with Lauren and learn more in-depth history about the character they were researching – including their history, their accomplishments and social and political histories.” During the tour, the students were able to explore the exhibition area, which will showcase the students’ work. The space houses portraits of the residents, which will fit the character-led theme of the brief.

“Going to see Raby Castle while doing the brief gave me a good insight into the character that was chosen for me,” said costume student Faith Corr. “Being able to see where she had lived and how the art surrounds the castle also helped me develop the idea for my FMP, seeing the statues and the paintings. Also, being able to see clothing that had been made at the time helped me understand what they may have worn when they lived in Raby Castle, developing my own knowledge of clothing styles and costume styles for future projects.”

Representatives for the castle, Lauren and Julie, were so impressed with the students’ outcomes they were shared with Lady Barnard for a final review. They commented that the team said, “We are all absolutely thrilled! The student work is brilliant and we are enjoying identifying who they represent. We sent them straight over to Lady Barnard.”

Reflecting on the opportunity, Costume student Eli Jackson said, “As well as techniques and skills, the Raby live brief has also provided me with an insight into how working in the costume industry could work. I followed instructions given to me by an outside client, worked on a set deadline, delivered an outcome by said deadline, and offered a wide range of research and reasoning as to why I created what I created. Overall, I feel that working with Raby Castle on this live brief has been a fantastic opportunity that will help me in the future, with both my skills and work ethic, if I choose to advance into the industry further.”

Visitors can expect to see the students work exhibited at Raby Castle later this year, details to follow.  Interested in studying costume design at college level? On this unique two-year course students bring characters to life through fabric, fashion and storytelling. Explore the art of costume design for theatre, film and TV on this dynamic two year diploma, find out more here.