Fiona teaches across several specialisms covering areas of textiles, surface pattern, fashion, and ceramics. Before retraining in textiles, she spent ten years in sales and marketing after gaining her degree in Business Studies from Oxford Brookes University.
Her teaching draws on specialist expertise in print, drawing, and enterprise, and she is committed to helping students develop both creative and professional confidence through experimentation and reflective practice.
She has previously taught at Leeds University, Leeds Arts University, and Huddersfield University, and brings extensive experience in curriculum design, student mentorship, and industry collaboration.
Academic qualifications
- 2013-2014 - Staffordshire University - Postgraduate Certificate in Higher and Professional Education - Distinction
- 2009 – 2011 Manchester Metropolitan University – MA Textiles - Distinction
- 2006 – 2009 Bradford School of Arts and Media - BA Hons Surface Design and Textiles - 1st Class Hons
- 2005 – 2006 Huddersfield Technical College - Access to Art
- 1991-1994 - Oxford Brookes University - BA Hons Business Studies - 2:1
Awards
- 2010 – Embroiderers’ Guild Scholar Bursary
- 2009 – Finalist - Needle Forge Mill Museum Embroidery Competition – Awarded Sketchbook Prize
- 2008 – 3rd Prize in the Rugmark Design a Rug Competition with entry being exhibited at 100% Design
Expertise
Fiona is a specialist in print, mixed media, embroidery and surface pattern design. Her work spans both 2D and 3D outcomes, exploring materials through drawing, collage, print making and stitch.
She has extensive experience in course leadership, curriculum development, and assessment, with a focus on supporting students’ creative and professional growth.
Her studio-based practice has a national presence through exhibitions, galleries, and art markets, and she regularly collaborates on cross-disciplinary and industry-facing projects.
Research interests
Fiona's current research explores the role of play, risk-taking, and resilience in the creative process, investigating how experimentation, failure, and reflective practice contribute to artistic growth and confidence.
She is particularly interested in how cross-disciplinary making, drawing, and material exploration can nurture creative curiosity and innovation.
She has recently presented a collaborative project completed with Keeley Marshall, Senior Lecturer and Holly Nancarrow Hassall, Senior Lecturer at GLAD 2025 and the 2025 Future Scan Conference.
Enterprise and commercial interests
Alongside her teaching, Fiona runs an independent design studio creating original paintings, print and mixed-media works for exhibition and retail. Her background in marketing and business development informs her work with creative start-ups and her interest in enterprise education. She has experience in organising and attending exhibitions, trade shows, and creative industry events, as well as mentoring emerging artists and designers in professional practice, branding, and entrepreneurship.
Exhibitions and Events, Past and Present
- 2025 - GLAD Symposium: Where Art Schools Lead - Presented Clay to Couture Research Project
- 2025 - Future Scan 6: Shifting Paradigms - Presented Clay to Couture Research Project 2025 - Open Studios, Leek
- 2025 - Top Drawer, London
- 2025 - Progressive Greetings, London
- 2025 - Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair, Manchester
- 2025 - Saltaire Makers Fair
- 2025 - Sunnybank Mills Print Fair
- 2024 - Open Studios Leek
- 2023 - Hepworth Xmas Market, The Hepworth, Wakefield
- 2021 - Craft Festival, Bovey Tracey
- 2018 – Vice Chancellors Outstanding Contribution Award, Staffordshire University
- 2018 – Made by Hand, Cardiff
- 2018 – Little Northern Contemporary Craft Fair, Altrincham
- 2018 – Hepworth Xmas Market, The Hepworth, Wakefield
- 2018 – Art&, York
- 2015 – Open Studio – Radiant Works, Huddersfiled
- 2014 - Paper, Scissors, Stone - Joint Exhibition Sunnybank Mills, Leeds
- 2013 - Prints Charming - Joint Exhibition Sock Gallery, Loughborough
- 2012 - Surface - West Yorkshire Print Workshops
- 2012 - Magnificent Stitches - Guild House Guildford
- 2012 - North Yorkshire Open Studios - West End Gallery, Scarborough
- 2011 - Bedazzled - Yorkshire Craft Centre, Bradford
- 2011 – Art in the Gardens, Sheffield
- 2011 – Group Exhibition, The Beetroot Gallery, Draycott
- 2011 – Made in Yorkshire – Quilt Museum, York
- 2011 – Saltaire Arts Trail
- 2011 – Holmfirth Arts Market
- 2010 – Featured Artist - Knit and Stitch Show, Alexandra Palace, London
- 2010 – Featured Artist – Knit and Stitch Show, RDS, Dublin
- 2010 – Featured Artist – Knit and Stitch Show, Harrogate
- 2010 – Society of Designer Craftsmen – Art in the Gardens, Sheffield
- 2010 – Society of Designer Craftsmen, The Mall, London
- 2009 – Graduate Showcase – Festival of Quilts, NEC
- 2009 – ‘Freedom’ Exhibition at the Needle Forge Mill Museum
- 2008 – Saltaire Arts Market
- 2008 – Holmfirth Arts Market
Teaching
Fiona teaches across undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the Creative Industries Department. Her teaching focuses on:
- Studio-based creative practice, print, and visual studies.
- Professional development, including portfolio preparation, interviews, and enterprise skills.
- Mentoring students through research projects. Fiona is passionate about creating an inclusive, risk-friendly learning environment that encourages curiosity, reflection, and creative independence.
Publications
- 2018 - Print/Maker Encyclopaedia - Uppercase Magazine
- 2010 – Embroiderers’ Guild Scholar – Embroidery Magazine
- 2009 – Graduate Showcase - Embroidery Magazine
- 2008 – Awards Double - Interiors Monthly