A LOCAL student is getting international recognition after her work was selected for a special exhibition at Sweden’s Rydals Museum.

Textiles Practice Foundation Degree student Nicola Brunger is to have her work featured as part of the Museum’s Living Advent Calendar. Her quilt will be lit in the museum’s window on Christmas Eve.

The exhibition results from a new link between arts charity Saltaire Inspired and the Rydals Museum - the oldest preserved spinnery in Sweden (built in 1853), which houses its own weaving centre.

Hannah Lamb, Bradford School of Art Programme Leader, said: “We were thrilled to hear about Nicky’s work.

“It was a totally unexpected opportunity, which came about from students working with Saltaire Inspired on the Arts Trail earlier in 2023.

“Projects like this give students a sense of what it would be like to work as a textile artist or maker, seeing their work out in the real world.

“We are extremely proud of Nicky and can’t wait to see the work revealed at Rydals Museum on Christmas Eve!”

Speaking about the inspiration behind her piece, Nicky said: “I’m interested in expressing data in textile art. I chose the 1871 census as a set of data and decided to make a quilt using all recycled and second-hand materials.”

Nicky is the latest FdA Textiles Practice student success. She said: “I retired from my career as a language teacher in 2018 and started a small business as a cross stitch designer.

“A friend enrolled in the FdA in Textiles Practice and told me about the course, so I signed up.

“This course has given me opportunities I never would have found for myself. The facilities are great, particularly being able to borrow a loom and use the print room!

“I still have some way to go, but I believe the course will equip me to work and exhibit as a textile artist.”

* The Rydals Museum Living Advent Calendar will run until January 7.

Find out more about the FdA in Textiles Practice on the course search on the Bradford College website - www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Bradford College is running a range of courses in the new yearBradford College is running a range of courses in the new year (Image: Bradford College)

Bradford College is running a range of exciting courses in January that offer the next step towards a rewarding career while fitting around life and work commitments.

Digital courses delivered full and part-time include HNCs in Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, Data Analytics and Computing. Other subjects include free Science programmes with a qualification achieved in just one year.

Any 16–18-year-olds can enrol on hair, beauty, and barbering, languages, teaching and education, Esports, and catering and hospitality. Alternatively, Princes Trust and Foundation Learning Programmes are ideal for 16-18-years-olds with learning difficulties, no formal qualifications, or limited GCSE grades. Bradford College also offers a range of options for those coming to education at entry level or who need qualifications to progress. Some courses are free to attend.

Full details of all courses, costs (where applicable), and how to apply can be found on the January starts section of the Bradford College website.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Bradford College music students entertained care home residents Bradford College music students entertained care home residents (Image: Bradford College)

A GROUP of further education students studying music at Bradford College brought smiles to residents at Norwood House Nursing Home in Keighley after they delivered a special festive performance.

Playing alongside their lecturer Nicolas Sykes, the talented musicians delivered an array of hits from Sunny by Bobby Hebb to Last Christmas by Wham!

The festive show came shortly after another gig the music students performed for staff and students at the Bradford School of Arts Lister Building.

As well as delighting captivated audiences, these concerts are opportunities for the students to practice performing live and work with regional organisations.

Course tutors respond to the latest industry trends by delivering up-to-date and relevant teaching from songwriting and studio recording to freelance working and professional practice.

Explore the full range of music courses available on the Bradford College website.

BRADFORD College offers free courses for over-19s looking to gain skills and knowledge to secure their ideal career. The College runs classes for adults under the Free Courses for Jobs scheme (previously called the Lifetime Skills Guarantee Scheme).

The free qualifications are open to adults who don't hold a Level 3 qualification or who have a Level 3 qualification or higher but earn below the National Living Wage/are unemployed. Courses include Applied Science, Catering, Childcare, Computing, Early Years, Engineering, Health and Social Care, IT, Sports, Uniformed Services, Vehicle Maintenance, and Youth Work.

Contact admissions@bradfordcollege.ac.uk to request the course you are interested in. Once accepted on the course, you will not have to pay a fee. Go to Free Courses for Adults section at bradfordcollege.ac.uk