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e m p l o y m e n t t o d a t e
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Stephen Ellison (June 2020- present):
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I create bespoke, hand-printed linen products for the home, each piece made exclusively to order. My collections are sold through independent shops across the UK, Europe, and the US.
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Based in East London, I trained in traditional silk-screen printing at the Royal College of Art and launched my eponymous label during the first COVID-19 lockdown in April 2020. Unable to visit my native English Lake District or explore art galleries at the time, I turned to paper and high quality linen and cotton materials, developing a collection of abstract designs inspired by nature.
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My design practice is guided by the interplay of colour, modernist shapes, textures, and form, translating drawing and surface pattern into tactile, hand-printed creations.​
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Morley College London (October 2024- July 2025) Programme Area Manager- Textiles
Responsibility for the operational management of the Textiles Department at the Waterloo campus.
This included the leadership and co-ordination of non-accredited courses and Textiles Foundation across all levels of provision, the advising of students, quality assurance, and the management of tutors and other departmental resources.
Responsible for leading the subject area’s curriculum development, with new programme/course development and approval by the awarding organisation.
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University Centre Colchester (September 2020- August 2024): Course Leader BA (Hons) Fashion & Textiles
Ensured the smooth running, organisation and operation of the BA (Hons) Fashion and Textiles degree programme.
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Taught both textile processes modules and theory-based modules including essay writing, study skills & personal development planning, and contextual studies.
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Encouraged students to focus on their abilities as learners and to take responsibility for their own skills development, helping to develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of historical and contemporary theories of art, further enhancing the critical and theoretical underpinning of their practice.
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p r e v i o u s e m p l o y m e n t
Debenhams PLC, London (March 2013- May 2020): Homeware Print Designer
Custodian for the print direction of Debenhams key own-brand Scandinavian influenced statement design for life as well as responsible for other own brand products. Previously responsible for print output for John Rocha, Matthew Williamson, Abigail Ahern.
Created original, commercially successful printed textile designs for the homeware and lifestyle market. Developed exclusive products that met brand style, price and quality criteria.
Built seasonal collections through identification of future key trends and translated these into appropriate design for the Debenhams customer.
Led strategic direction for design and buying teams, challenging briefs to ensure design were both commercially and visually appealing.
Worked with design manager to prioritise and plan workload, and collaborated with all levels of buying to deliver identified requirements.
Acted as a role model for the design team, contributing to a positive ethos and high work ethic.
Responsible for purchasing original artwork from visiting print studios.
Working to tight deadlines, approved strike-offs and fabrics and prepared packs for suppliers.
Production experience included overseas supplier and factory trips and numerous trade show visits, such as Maison Objet (Paris), London Design Fair, Heimtex (Frankfurt).
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Gather No Moss, Hackney, London (April 2011- March 2013): Digital Printed Textile Designer
Responsible for creating original printed textiles designs for the womenswear fashion market.
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Exhibited at Indigo (Paris), Direction (New York) and Pitti Filati (Florence).
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Style Council, New York, US (October 2010- February 2011): Digital Printed Textile Designer
Accountable for creating original printed textiles designs for the womenswear fashion market.
Westcott Design, London (October 2002- June 2008): CAD Print Designer
Responsible for creating original printed textiles designs for the womenswear fashion market.
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Exhibited at Indigo (Paris), Direction (New York) and Pitti Filati (Florence).
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H&M Stockholm, Sweden (March- October 2002): CAD Print Designer
Working for the Hennes brand, designed original printed textiles for the womenswear market. Responsible for identifying trends, selecting suitable colourways, and sending design information to overseas suppliers.
David Lee Design, London (September 2001- March 2002): Printed Textile Designer
Created original hand-printed textile designs, using screen-printed and batik techniques.
e x p e r i e n c e & s k i l l s
In-depth design experience within both homeware and fashion.
Trend-aware and excellent aptitude for colour.
Expert cad knowledge including adobe photoshop, illustrator, indesign
Commercial awareness.
Line management experience.
e d u c a t i o n
MA Printed Textiles: Royal College of Art, London (October 2007- July 2009)
BA (Hons) Printed Textiles: Loughborough University First Class Honours (October 1999- June 2002)
r e f e r e n c e s a n d e x a m p l e s o f w o r k a v a i l a b l e o n r e q u e s t
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