Textiles students shine in new JMU building

Fashion and Textiles students at JMU have been given a new lease of life with the opening of a brand new building to work in.

The JMU Academy of Art and Design, situated in a prime location adjacent to the Metropolitan Cathedral, plays host to students on courses ranging from architecture to fashion design.

The £27 million development offers a welcome break from their previous centre, the old-fashioned art studio on Hope Street, where facilities for fashion and textile design were somewhat limited. Students now have access to a range of bright, spacious studios in addition to brand new equipment.

The new space has provided a brilliant opportunity for students, particularly those in their final year currently working towards their graduation design showcases.

“This building is much better all round – there are more studios so everybody has their own space, and equipment rooms so that we can work in peace if we need to,” said third year Fashion and Textiles student Elizabeth Murphy, who is presently working on a final collection of jackets to be showcased in the building’s new, state-of-the-art gallery.

According to Miss Murphy, the new building will allow for students’ work to be presented in a much more professional and sophisticated manner than before.

“As textiles students rather than straight fashion, we don’t take part in the final shows, so it’s great to have somewhere so new and professional-looking to exhibit our collections,” she explained.

Head of Fashion and Textiles, Delphine Wilson, agreed that the space would make a world of difference to third year students’ final collections.

“We are so busy around this time of year, with fashion shoots and organising shows and exhibitions, it’s great to have such a light, airy new place for the students to spend their working days,” she said.

The building is also open to the public, with a café, gallery and shop, as well as exhibition space and conference and meeting venues.

Third year students’ work will be showcased at the Academy for public viewing during the last week of May.