BA (Hons) Fashion Textiles: Knit student, Louanne Adams receives first Carrington Creative Future Bursary
- Written byN Brathwaite
- Published date 19 April 2022
The UAL Creative Future Fund was established in 2021 by Sir Nigel Carrington, former Vice-Chancellor of UAL (2008-2021), and friends of the university who contributed to the fund in honour of Nigel’s time at University of the Arts London. In the academic year 2021/22, the fund provided two bursaries of £15,000 each. To be eligible for the bursaries, students must have graduated from Insights, UAL’s Outreach programme, and be a first-year undergraduate student.
Louanne Adams, a first year BA (Hons) Fashion Textiles: Knit student who is studying at London College of Fashion’s Lime Grove campus, was the first recipient of the Carrington Creative Future Bursary and tells us about her experience so far at LCF.
Can you tell us a little bit about your educational background and why you chose to study BA (Hons) Fashion Textiles: Knit at LCF?
Before studying at LCF, I started a BA at Nottingham Trent University, also studying knitwear and knitted textiles. During this time, I fell pregnant with my son and started to think about relocating to be closer to family, while also continuing my studies. I enrolled at LCF as I was previously offered a place there while I was studying at City and Islington College, during my foundation. I chose BA (Hons) Fashion Textiles: Knit as I enjoyed how explorative the course was and thought that the teaching style was most beneficial and effective for how I like to learn.
How did you find out about the bursary and what made you apply?
I found out about the bursary in an email sent out by the university. Initially I didn’t think I would get it, but thought I should give it a go because anything could happen. I thought it would be beneficial to help support me and my son while I’m studying – which before I started the course, I was worried about, thinking I may have to work to be able to do so.
Describe your practice and where you get inspiration from?
My mum was always crocheting at home, she was the person who first taught me the craft, however I found a love for knit when I was studying in college. Being taught knit in such a creative environment, made me view the possibilities for knit differently. I’ve studied textiles since I was in secondary school and chose to add a knitted flare to my work (as not many students knew how to knit or crochet), which always made my work stand out from theirs. Within textiles, I realised I enjoyed more constructed textiles; structure and texture has always been important to me in my work.
What was the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during your time at LCF?
Studying at LCF I've learnt many valuable lessons including effective ways to manage workload, how to be as creative as possible and that you should always experiment - every experimentation is valuable, even if it has failed.
What are your future work plans/aspirations?
After soaking up all the opportunities at LCF and finishing my degree, I hope I continue on to complete a Masters. I would eventually like to be a lecturer whilst still in practice, hopefully running my own sustainable brand. I’ve had some amazing textiles teachers that have really contributed to where I am today. They have truly evoked a love for teaching within me.
If you would like to learn more about the UAL Creative Future Fund, please contact the UAL Development team.