Students from Carlisle College’s Foundation Diploma in Art and Design have played a key role in the recreation and handover of the city’s mayoral robe at the Civic Centre.
Lucy Knowles, Julie Huddart and Brianey Wheatley participated in the detailed restoration work, gaining invaluable real-world experience through a live professional commission. The project gave students the opportunity to collaborate with specialist practitioner Lee Paton, developing traditional embroidery techniques rarely experienced at Foundation level.
Working on a civic garment of this standard required precision, patience and professionalism. Students handled delicate fabrics and haberdashery made with real gold — an experience that would not normally be accessible within a classroom environment.
Julie Huddart said:
“It was really interesting — not something I’d ever thought I’d be doing. The goldwork was a steep learning curve, especially using real gold sequins. It gives you a new respect for ceremonial garments and the skill involved. It’s also opened my eyes to conservation work — you don’t always have to design from scratch to work in fashion.”
For tutor Wendy Oxley, the project represented a significant opportunity for students at this stage in their education:
“For Foundation students to be involved in a professional commission of this scale is incredible. They were working with real gold materials and learning heritage techniques that simply wouldn’t be available in a standard classroom setting. It’s genuine industry experience.”
Importantly, opportunities like this benefit students regardless of their progression route. Whether moving into Higher Education, apprenticeships or straight into employment, real-world projects build confidence, technical ability and professional understanding.
The collaboration has also opened the door for future partnerships with Lee Paton, creating further opportunities for current and future Carlisle College students to gain hands-on industry experience.
Lee Paton is a highly experienced goldwork and embroidery specialist, known for his work in heritage garment restoration and ceremonial textiles. He has worked with high-profile clients, including Lady Gaga and Jay-Z, alongside projects within the heritage and conservation sectors. His extensive industry experience brings invaluable real-world insight and professional standards into the students’ learning environment.
By contributing to the mayoral robe, students not only developed specialist skills in goldwork and conservation techniques, but also experienced the responsibility and standards required within the wider fashion, costume and heritage industries.