Textile Design students shortlisted for this year’s Batsford Prize
01 May 2026
Three BA(Hons) Textile Design students have been shortlisted for the Applied Art and Textiles category of The Batsford Prize 2026. The annual prize is held by the leading art book publisher, Batsford, and is open to all UK-based undergraduate and postgraduate students.
With the theme of this year’s competition being ‘Connections’, those entering were challenged to interpret the theme creatively through either inspiration or use of materials.
Now, the students have been invited to attend the awarding event on Wednesday 13 May to celebrate being shortlisted. Each of the nominees will also see their work exhibited to the public at The Batsford Gallery, London from 15 May to 24 May.
Reflecting on the students’ success, Course Leader Sally-Ann Gill said: “It’s very exciting to see three students on the shortlist for this prize and it’s testament to their hard work and the originality of their ideas.
“All three students are excellent storytellers, with lovely narratives and concepts behind their projects. They are also brilliant, clever crafts people and designers. I’m so proud of them and it’s fantastic to see half of the nominees for the category is Falmouth students, with only six nominees in total. I can’t wait to see their work as part of the shortlist exhibition in London.”
Isobel Honeywood – ‘Occupied Minds’
‘Occupied Minds’ is a textile project for future community buildings, with interior fabrics such as wall hangings and fabric partitions used to support wellbeing and connection. Inspired by Agnes Martin’s quiet order and Barbara Hepworth’s spatial clarity, the designs explore how form, rhythm and colour can counter contemporary pressures like digital fatigue and loneliness.
“By using a minimal palette of calming tones and subtle, data-informed designs, the textiles act as adaptable, thoughtful surfaces. They are produced on a handloom using sustainable wool, some on a Jacquard loom and all hand dyed,” Izzy reflected. “It's exciting to now see my textile work recognised by The Batsford Prize, and I’m looking forward to what comes next.”
Ruby Higgs – ‘Murmur’
Ruby’s project, ‘Murmur’ explores the interwoven nature of movement, sound and pattern, as seen in bird murmuration. It investigates collective flight forms, looking at shifting and fluid structures in which density, direction and rhythm create markings of light and dark.
Speaking on her project, Ruby shared: “The patterns and textures created are what I wanted to transfer into weaving through experimental weaving techniques and use of fibres.
“Being shortlisted for The Batsford Prize is a great honour and really exciting experience; it’s also very nice to be nominated alongside fellow Falmouth weavers.”
Twig Searle – ‘A Library in Thread’
“My project explores the idea of interpreting and preserving folktales through handwoven textiles, treating the cloth as a form of storytelling and memory,” Twig told us. “The project was rooted in translating traditional folk stories into these woven pieces, allowing them to be held and shared. I worked with natural dyes that I foraged locally, which helped to anchor the textiles to my local area and connecting the samples to their environment too. For me, the work is about honouring traditional craft while creating new ways for folklore to be interpreted.”
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