Professor Alfred Barker was instrumental in founding the Bradford Textile Society.
A pioneer of textile education, he incorporated physics, chemistry and mathematics in the textile curriculum at Bradford Technical College and the University of Leeds.
March 15th: First lecture given by Prof. Roberts Beaumont entitled ‘Textiles at the World’s Fair, Chicago’
October 5th: Sir Arthur Priestman delivered his Presidential address.
“The Society’s principal objective was to discuss and debate subjects of interest to manufacturers of fabrics and textile machinery, and those involved in designing or dyeing and finishing”
Bradford Textile Society Journal introduced – early editions showing an emphasis on textile design with design sheets from the college and cloth samples.
(ref. ‘Woven with Wisdom and Skill’ by Mark Keighley)
Textile Design Prize Scheme introduced with 450 patterns submitted, produced by 13 students of the Bradford Technical College.
1st prize (£10) was awarded to Leonard Sutcliffe for a highly original cloth combining a 2/60’s Botany warp and Celanese artificial silk weft.
2nd prize (£5) went to Ernest Poole for a chevron design in green and gold and further artistic designs of fruit in different shades.
20th August the Grant of Arms was awarded to the Bradford Textile Society in honour of the city’s links to the textile industry
Woven with Wisdom and Skill – the History of the Bradford Textile Society 1893-1993’ by Mark Keighley was published as a Centenary celebration, an excellent account of the past 100 years.
The Society’s Grant of Arms was taken to Bradford City Hall where it is now housed. The motto ‘Consilium Contextumus Arti’ was originally translated as ‘Woven with Wisdom and Skill’ but has recently been reinterpreted as ‘Crafted with Wisdom and Skill’ to better reflect the broader spectrum of contemporary textiles.
The annual Design Competition went digital and entry online for the first time, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions and this system has been maintained ever since due to its success.
The previous year’s Competition, when work was posted and judging was live, was carried out just in time prior to lockdown!
The Phoenix Project was introduced to attract younger members.
It is an informal group of young textile professionals, apprentices, trainees and textile students over 18 and allows access to the Society’s lecture programme and events.
The group organises enjoyable visits and socials via a WhatsApp group to promote networking and experience of the textile industry.
The Society’s special commemorative prize for Sustainability, Innovation and Textile Craftsmanship was won by Florence Robinson of the University of the West of England with commendations awarded to Amelie Tilley of Loughborough University & Zofia Szewczyk of Glasgow School of Art
The Fashion Fiesta 2026 – supporting people to break into the creative sectors…
The 4 2025 Travel Prize winners, sponsored by the CIWMT., enjoyed an expenses paid visit to Paris for the February Premiere Vision show.
Members of the Bradford Textile Society and guests gathered on 21st November 2025 for the Society’s annual dinner, held at the Cedar Court Hotel, Bradford. The event was a great success, welcoming 130 guests for an evening of celebration, camaraderie and networking.
