Gareth Wadkin is the Course Leader for the BA (Hons) Textile Design course at Leeds Arts University. His role involves teaching conceptual and creative approaches to printed textiles and surface pattern design across all levels of the course. As a textile designer, researcher, and educator, he brings a wealth of teaching and professional design experience to the programme. Gareth completed his undergraduate degree in Textile Design and a PGCE in Continuing Education at the University of Leeds. He achieved an MA in Textile Practice from Manchester Metropolitan University and was awarded a Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, now Advance HE, in 2018.

Gareth specialises in reimagining traditional printmaking, dyeing, and screen-printing techniques using emerging technology, new materials, and digital production methods. Alongside his teaching practice, he continues to work as a freelance textile designer. He has freelanced for various design agencies and organisations, producing textile prints and patterns for both fashion and interiors markets. Gareth has collaborated with numerous prestigious organisations, including the Arts Council England, Crafts Council, AVA, H&M, Laura Ashley, Nike, Sorrell Foundation’s National Art and Design Saturday Club, Leeds Museums and Galleries, The Hepworth Wakefield, The Tetley, and The Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

His research and scholarly practice focus on championing craft preservation, sustaining age-old textile techniques by integrating them into contemporary, innovative designs and manufacturing processes. His projects, exhibitions, and conference papers often involve partnerships with the cultural and creative sectors, schools, and colleges to reignite design and making in the classroom, address challenges faced by craft education, and highlight the value and importance of art, craft, and design education on employability and 21st-century skills.

Conference Proceedings

Pratt, C. and Wadkin, G. (2019) ‘A case study of collaborative practice: working to promote cross-curricular thinking and making within schools’, Futurescan 4: Valuing Practice – FTC Fashion and Textile Courses.

Exhibitions

Bainbridge, S., Gaston, E., Pratt, C., Scott, J. and Wadkin, G. (2018) Make Your Future. Vernon Street Gallery, Leeds Arts University. 28 June – 16 August.

Conferences, Talks & Presentations

Pratt, C. and Wadkin, G. ‘A case study of collaborative practice: working to promote cross-curricular thinking and making within schools’, Futurescan 4: Valuing Practice. University of Bolton, UK. 23 January – 24 January 2019.