Fashion and Textiles

About our programmes

Our Future Textiles programme was designed over ten years ago to address a skills gap within the UK textile industry and encourage new entrants with relevant vocational skills. The programme is targeted at secondary school pupils alongside community groups and adults wishing to enter the industry or to develop their skillset.  

At Dumfries House we welcome school groups into our Atelier space where we deliver skills-based workshops to equip young people with knowledge and skills to inspire them to work in the fashion and textiles industry. In our second studio space, The Textile Centre, we deliver intensive vocational skills training programmes on industrial machinery for a variety of abilities from foundation level to artisan. Our courses range from 6 weeks to 8 months where students can immerse themselves in their craft form whilst developing their confidence and building a network for their next career step. These programmes include skills in batch production, craft skills relevant to the costume industry and high-end luxury fashion and interdisciplinary learning through use of our farm, walled garden and STEM centre.  

We deliver two specialist career development courses in Embroidery and Millinery on-site at Highgrove Gardens in partnership with CHANEL and le19M.  

In London we deliver workshops at Trinity Buoy Wharf in textiles for students undertaking our diploma year programme. 

Each year we host a variety of events to highlight sustainability and working in harmony with nature through our schools’ challenge programme, conferences and partnership events such as Fashion Council Germany.