Across two separate trips on the 1st and 5th of May, our budding designers visited The Bowes Museum’s headline exhibition, Vivienne Westwood: Rebel – Storyteller – Visionary, trading the classroom for the galleries to study the groundbreaking designs of one of Britain’s most famous creators.

Mrs Vizor was incredibly proud of the groups, noting:

"I am incredibly proud of how our pupils engaged with the exhibition and the design activities. They represented the school perfectly, truly showing our BEST. Their engagement with the technical elements was fantastic to see, and they approached the day with real maturity and curiosity."

The Bowes Museum also reached out on social media to praise the pupils, stating:

"It was a pleasure to have you. We're so pleased you enjoyed your visit!"

A Masterclass in Postmodern Design

The visit was a brilliant opportunity for pupils to see the real-world application of studio techniques. By examining the intricate craftsmanship and innovative fabrics on display, the group gained a deeper appreciation for high-level garment construction and fashion design.

Crucially, the exhibition provided a perfect case study for the Postmodernism movement, a key topic in the Textiles curriculum. By observing how historical dress—such as 18th-century corsetry—is playfully deconstructed and mixed with subcultural influences, pupils saw Postmodern theory in action. Seeing these concepts "off the page" and in three dimensions will be a huge advantage, ensuring the movement is fresh in their minds for their upcoming Textiles exam.

Well Done #TeamRisedale

A huge well done to all our Fashion and Textiles pupils for such successful visits. We look forward to seeing how these "Westwood-inspired" influences appear in their upcoming work!

#TeamRisedale 💙💜🧡❤️ #BEST

RESPONSIBILITY  RESPECT  RESILIENCE  RELATIONSHIPS