Blackburn College students get creative with design brief from Great British Sewing Bee star Patrick Grant

Students from Blackburn College have been given the opportunity to work alongside Great British Sewing Bee star Patrick Grant as part of a design project. 

Patrick, who has close links with the College, delighted art and design students when he visited on Wednesday morning and presented them with a live design brief as part of a commission for Community Clothing, which Patrick is the founder of. 

The commission, which is currently being kept under wraps, will be unveiled later this year.  

The visit was organised by Blackburn College lecturer, and artist, Jamie Holman who has recently been commissioned to create a piece of art to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. 

Speaking after the visit, Patrick said: “I love working with Jamie and his students. This commission is really exciting for Community Clothing, and we can’t wait to show it to the world later this year. 

“I am thrilled by the ideas we generated, both visual, and more importantly perhaps the narrative of our work. It means a lot to us to work with talented young people from our local community.” 

Jamie Holman said: “I’ve worked with Patrick a lot over the years and am delighted that he wanted to work with Blackburn College for his new commission. Our students are very excited to be given this opportunity, and I am looking forward to seeing their creations brought to life.” 

Claire Green from Darwen who is studying a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design said: “It’s a really good opportunity for us to be able to work with Patrick Grant, which will provide us with an excellent chance to develop our skills and showcase our abilities. 

“Blackburn College has provided a range of high-quality guest lecturers and opportunities during the course, it’s been fantastic.” 

Student Sam Gorman from Darwen who is also studying a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, said: “Patrick was really fascinating to listen to, particularly when he was talking to us about sustainable fashion. To Patrick work with us is an opportunity I’d have never imagined happening.”