Fashion students from the University of Northampton have been recognised in a prestigious national design competition run by the Worshipful Company of Glovers of London, celebrating creativity and craftsmanship in glove design.
The competition’s top accolade, the Silver Salver, is awarded annually to the academic institution that demonstrates the strongest and most consistent body of work across multiple entries.
Established more than 30 years ago by the British Glove Association, the competition has been organised by the Glovers’ Company since 2010. Previous winners include Manchester Metropolitan University, Nottingham Trent University, the Royal School of Needlework and London College of Fashion.
This year, it was a team of University of Northampton students who impressed the panel of judges with a diverse range of concepts, spanning personal history, heritage, and the natural environment – and ultimately brought the Silver Salver award home.
In being given full creative freedom, two final-year students drew on historical inspiration in their work.
Ciaran Beeby explored memory and loss through a design inspired by his graduate collection, ‘there’s gotta be a record of you someplace.’ His glove combines tweed and semi-transparent tulle, using felting techniques to create a gradual decomposition of pattern, symbolising how memories fade over time.
Douglas Evans also looked to the past, dedicating his design to his great-grandfather, Iorwerth Gwynfe Evans. His work reflects on Evans’ experiences during the Second World War and his membership of the Caterpillar Club, weaving personal heritage into contemporary design.
Environmental themes were equally prominent in the students’ designs.
Niall Walker’s glove was inspired by the British temperate rainforest, capturing its layered ecosystems and circular ecology through the use of British-sourced materials, including wool, leather and cotton canvas, which reinforces a focus on sustainability and heritage craftsmanship.
Carme Pastor Ribot took a more conceptual approach with ‘Tsundere’, a design influenced by a Japanese term describing a personality that appears distant at first but gradually reveals warmth. Drawing parallels with the layered structure of the ocean, the glove transitions from dark to light tones, with translucent elements symbolising hidden emotional depth.
Jane Mills, Deputy Head of School for Art & Design, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for our students. Their work demonstrates a remarkable balance of creativity, technical skill and thoughtful storytelling — from personal histories to environmental themes. Winning the salver is a real milestone and highlights the depth of talent we have here at the University of Northampton.”
The award, engraved with the University’s name and held for one year, will be formally presented at a prizegiving lunch at Plaisterers’ Hall in July 2026.
Find out more about studying Fashion, Textiles and Footwear at the University of Northampton.