Goldsmiths, University of London

Christine Risley Award Winner Exhibition 2025

The Christine Risley Award celebrates the achievements of a graduating Goldsmiths BA student who has demonstrated outstanding practice-based work in the field of textiles. Recognising the broad spectrum of contemporary textile art, this award celebrates creativity and innovation. The winner will have their work featured in a solo exhibition in the Constance Howard Gallery, home to the Goldsmiths Textile Collection.

Previous winners have explored diverse themes, reimagining coastal landscapes through foraged materials and weaving (Olivia Pelham, 2024), examining misogynoir women’s work through woven and braided hair (Farrah Riley-Grey, 2019), and archiving network shutdowns in India through the act of embroidery (Aarushi Matiyani, 2021). These artworks reflect deep explorations of self-expression, identity, gender, and race through the medium of textiles.

The award is made possible by the generous bequest of the late Christine Risley, a Goldsmiths alumna and widely respected textile educator, author, and practitioner.

The Goldsmiths Textile Collection comprises technical and experimental samples from former Goldsmiths students, as well as examples of textile art, embroidery and dress from across the globe. Join Ruby Hodgson, Collection Curator, for a series of study sessions that highlight standout works from the collection, an exhibition tour, and a rare behind-the-scenes look at the collection in storage.

Opening reception Friday 12th September, 6-8pm.

Exhibition opens Monday 15th September

Study Days - 17th and 24th September, 2pm-4pm.

Christine Risley Award | Goldsmiths, University of London

Goldsmiths Textile Collection & Constance Howard Gallery | Goldsmiths, University of London