Hartlepool students go back to the future with Kynren

(from left) Sally Donegan, CCAD technician demonstrator with student Hannah Leighton and Kynren costume supervisor Debra Willison

Costume students from Cleveland College of Art and Design (CCAD) have developed their sewing skills and costume creation as part of work experience for massive Kynren historical re-enactment show.

Students from all year groups of the costume interpretation with design degree visited the toured set in Bishop Auckland as part of a research trip, then senior staff from the Kynren costume department visited the college to set the task of creating complete garments for the show.

(back row) Joanna Rowling with Katie Worfolk and Rebecca Rawlinson from Kynren, student Amy Loscombe (on sewing machine) and student Hannah Leighton

Using only patterns provided by the Kynren team, the team of students were able to assemble doublets and breeches, the traditional version of jackets and trousers worn by the musketeers, and lace bodices for the female characters.

Joanna Rowling, 19, is a second year student who took part: “The first day we were given bundles of garment pieces ready to assemble with a finished outcome to work out how to construct,” she said.

“I loved the experience and I’m really pleased to be able to put this work placement on my CV.

“I haven’t seen the show yet but after the research trip we took to find out more about it I definitely want to at some point in the future, the set looked amazing.”