Students from Carlisle College’s Foundation Diploma in Art and Design have played an integral role in the recreation and handover of the city’s mayoral robe at the Civic Centre.
Lucy Knowles, Julie Huddart and Brianey Wheatley took part in the intricate restoration work, gaining valuable real-world experience through a live professional commission. The project enabled students to collaborate with specialist practitioner Lee Paton, developing traditional embroidery techniques that are rarely experienced at Foundation level.
Working on a civic garment of this significance required precision, patience and professionalism. Students handled delicate fabrics and haberdashery made with real gold, offering a unique opportunity not typically available in 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 valuable opportunity for students at this stage in their education:
“For Foundation students to be involved in a professional commission of this scale is fantastic. 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.”
Opportunities like this support students whatever their next step. Whether progressing to Higher Education, apprenticeships or employment, working on live projects helps to build confidence, technical skills and professional understanding.
The collaboration has also created opportunities for future partnerships with Lee Paton, giving more Carlisle College students the chance 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. His clients include high-profile names such as Lady Gaga and Jay-Z, alongside projects within the heritage and conservation sectors. His industry expertise brings valuable real-world insight into the students’ learning experience.
By contributing to the mayoral robe, students not only developed specialist skills in goldwork and conservation techniques, but also gained an understanding of the professional standards required across the fashion, costume and heritage industries.